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Archiver > NOTTSGEN > 1998-06 > 0896996444


From: "Jayne" <>
Subject: Cholera Victims
Date: Thu, 4 Jun 1998 21:40:44 -0000


Here is what I found on the Nottingham Post's online news, it doesn't
mention cholera victims though so I wonder if my mother-in-law was mistaken?

She has to write for the list apparently so as soon as I get it I will post
it here, anyway, here is the article:

"A WORKMAN fell into a crypt full of human skeletons when the road suddenly
opened up beneath him in Nottingham city centre.

Trace Plummer was laying paving stones at the back of St Mary's Church in
Kayes Walk in the Lace Market. When the dust cleared, he found himself
surrounded by bones and decaying coffins.

Shocked Trace, of A K Construction, said: "I was putting a slab down when
suddenly the floor just gave way. I half fell down it and my mates had to
pull me back. I went white as a sheet when I saw what was down there. Old
coffins were piled on top of one another, and it looked like more were
behind."

Experts believe scores of bodies from the 18th century are thought to be
under nearby streets -- in tombs, crypts and single burial plots.

Canon Eddie Neale, Vicar of St Mary's, said: "When the Victorians were
constructing the buildings on Kayes Walk they built over our graveyard. They
were rather slap happy. Old vicars from St Mary's may well be among them and
scores more bodies may yet be found. Our graveyard used to stretch through
High Pavement and parts of the Lace Market."

Trace and Jem North, both from Lincoln, were replacing slabs when Trace fell
into a 12ft deep tomb that contained six bodies.

He said: "It's quite unnerving to think we've all been walking on old bodies
for years and years. At least I'll have something to tell the kids about
before bed tonight."

City council officials were today looking over the site. The ground is not
consecrated and is the responsibility of the council.

Director of environmental services Neil Bates said he could not rule out an
excavation. The tomb has been temporarily covered over while the rest of the
paving slabs are laid. Earlier this week, workmen laying cables on the other
side of St Mary's found what is thought to be a pauper's graveyard."

If I find anything else I will be sure to post it here.

Take care

Jayne

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