Church Archaeology and Human Remains Working Group

Consultation on Guidelines on The Treatment of Christian Burials in Archaeological Projects

The treatment of human remains is one of the most complex and emotive areas of archaeological activity. In 2001, a joint Working Group was convened by English Heritage and the Church of England to address the issues. The Group's remit was confined to burials from Christian contexts in England dating from 7^th-19^th century AD whether from land currently under Church of England jurisdiction of from disused burial grounds. The aim was to provide guidance on legal, theological / ethical and scientific / technical matters. This consultation document is a synthesis of the results of the Group's deliberations.

The document aims to provide reasonably comprehensive guidelines covering the treatment of human remains and associated artifacts and grave markers at all phases of an archaeological fieldwork project, including decisions concerning whether remains should be retained long-term for scientific study or reburied following completion of the analysis phase of the fieldwork project. The target audience is primarily archaeologists, museum staff, parochial church councils and clergy. The intention is to publish the full document both on paper and electronically and to produce a leaflet which will indicate the main points covered and flag up the existence of the main document.

Comments are invited on any aspect of the consultation document, but particular attention is drawn toward the recommendations made in the Executive Summary.

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Read the Chuch Archaeology Human Remains Working Group Report (Executive Summary) online using Adobe Acrobat Viewer. (445k)

Comments should be sent to Simon Mays:

The closing date for receipt of comments has now past.

By email to: simon.mays@english-heritage.org.uk

By post to:
Ancient Monuments Laboratory
English Heritage Centre for Archaeology
Fort Cumberland
Eastney
Portsmouth PO4 9LD.

Simon Mays, English Heritage
Joseph Elders, Church of England