Our Work Experience Student Michael (age 16) reports on human remains found at Hartlepool Headland

The site which the human remains were found is believed to be in the area of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery which was discovered in 1833. The front garden was later excavated by the Time Team in 2000 when they found a grave containing the body of a young lady, possibly a nun.

Earlier this year a drain was laid in the back yard, a human pelvis was found and the police were called. The builders also unearthed various long bones including femurs and smaller bones such as ribs and phalanges (finger and toes).

The remains were collected and brought back to Tees Archaeology. I was giving the job of cleaning them using a basin filled with warm water. I used a tooth brush to remove the dirt. Once they were clean I put them in a box and took them down to the wet room where they are kept until dry. They will then be marked to stop them getting mixed up with other bones.