Exhumation, removal & re-burial of disseminated bones (Human & animal) found during construction of a tower block in Islington, Greater London, on behalf of Higgins Construction Ltd
Set-up & Method:
The initial set-up underwent several site-specific changes as and when required.The main issue was cover for the works both from the weather & viewing by passersby.
Initially, it was considered that a full hard roof would be constructed over the entire site prior to works beginning. Higgins considered this technically difficult and expensive.
Our intention was to screen the works using tents that could be moved as needed. However, we found that very strong gusts of wind around the base of the Tower Block adjacent meant this became difficult & even dangerous.
Overview:
Construction of a block of flats by Higgins Construction on behalf of Islington Council was interrupted by the discovery of Human Bones whilst digging foundations under what had been the car park. No burial ground or Cemetery has ever been recorded as being in this location.MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology)
MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) were contracted to make an investigation of the site and to process the Ministry of Justice License to exhume the remains. The License was issued under the ‘Disused Burial Grounds Act’ which allows exhumation under less stringent formalities than individual License’s.MOLA did not resolve the mystery of why the remains came to be in this area. The hypothesis is that rubble brought to the site in 1970 to fill an existing excavation inadvertently brought the remains at the same time.
MOLA did not resolve the mystery of why the remains came to be in this area. The hypothesis is that rubble brought to the site in 1970 to fill an existing excavation inadvertently brought the remains at the same time.After the initial consultations between Higgins & RB
After the initial consultations between Higgins & RB Exhumations a Subcontract Pre-Order was issued by Higgins to agree an initial overview of the expected works. The initial estimate was for a works period of 12 weeks.
The initial estimate was for a works period of 12 weeks, in the event, works took just short of 16 weeks.
Project duration:
16 Weeks
Area cleared:
Approx. ⅓ Acre
Earth moved:
Approx. 400 Tonnes
The total number of deceased:
Unknown
Health & Safety:
Method Statement & Risk Assessment’s:
- Core Compliance
- Safety Bank
- CSCS ‘Green’ Cards
- PPE