Excavations at Square Chapel Burial Ground 2016
Summary of Archaeological Services WYAS report of the excavations at Square Chapel Burial Ground 2016
(Archaeological Services WYAS Report No 2846. Authors Williams, D, Moon, K and Richardson, J)
Plate 19: General view of site, looking West, © Archaeological Service WYAS
In 2014 excavations were carried out upon an area of land between the Square Chapel and the Square Church Spire.
Once excavated, experts analysed 203 skeletons dating from the late 18th to late 19th century and carried out research based on other sources too, such as the Square Chapel Burial Register. We must remember that these 203 bodies are a select cross section of an emerging middle class who attended a non-conformist chapel in Halifax. The experts also compared the data from Halifax to other similar sites across England.
-
Many of the individuals buried at the Square Chapel were reliant on the Wool and Cloth Trade for income, but other occupations recorded were as diverse as Attorney at Law, Shoemaker and Wine Merchant.
-
Adults made up 65% of the skeletal assemblage, with a slightly higher percentage of females than males (though 32 were unable to be identified as male or female so that may have skewed the results). Most died in mature adulthood with an equal spread of males and females.
Plate 5: Excavation of Skeleton 12, Group 10 looking South, © Archaeological Service WYAS
In the younger age category though, 4 times as many females died as males, this was perhaps linked to complications during childbirth. The dental health of the population was worse in Halifax than other areas at that time with a high level of tooth decay consistent with a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates and a lack of oral hygiene. This was more prevalent in the females excavated than the males.
Plate 69: SK69 mandibular dental abscess, © Archaeological Service WYAS
Analysis of the Halifax skeletons showed adult females were more likely to suffer from infectious diseases while the males were more prone to traumatic injuries.
Of the excavated children’s skeletons, analysis suggests they often did not survive beyond early childhood, potentially due to nutritional deficiencies.
Several infants and young juveniles suffered with rickets and scurvy, but these occurrences were still below the national average. This might have been caused by the decision to not breastfeed, bottle feeding could be extremely dangerous and the subsequent weaning onto non-nutritious ‘pap’, a flour and water mix.
Both adult females and males analysed were shorter in stature than the average height for this period and from skull measurements had relatively similar facial features.A third of all skeletons showed signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Evidence for infectious disease in the skeletons was low compared to the national average.6 females had deformed ribs due to the wearing of tight corsets; more females might have had this condition, but they were unable to tell due to skeleton decay.3 men showed tooth wear indicative of pipe smoking.
Chronic sinusitis was prevalent in Halifax and affected 2/3rds of the adult population, in females slightly more than males; possibly caused by indoor and outdoor air pollution and habitual smoking and worsened by dental abscesses.
It could also be due to the type of work that was being undertaken.24 individuals had evidence of healed bone fractures that happened some time before death, 13 of which were males and 11 females. These bones included vertebrae, ribs, leg and arm bones, and jaw.
Plate 46: SK20 cervical rib, © Archaeological Service WYAS
One adolescent showed evidence for an autopsy probably carried out to establish a cause of death.
Some contradictions are present. The evidence shows this group of individuals were relatively healthy, lived in an environment that was not overcrowded and had access to fresh produce.
The report suggests that in keeping with what might be expected from the Congregationalist Chapel there were social climbers rising from lower to more middle classes.
The coffins were mainly constructed of pine, fir, ash and elm, all lower cost materials than the more expensive oak and elm found elsewhere.
Plate 11: View of vault 1325, Group 3 looking South, © Archaeological Service WYAS
Interestingly there were no male skeletons in the 26-45 age category excavated. This could be due to young men moving away for work, or that Congregationalism did not appeal to this demographic.
You can read the full report in either the Local Studies department of Calderdale Libraries or West Yorkshire Archives Calderdale Office.