York Historic Environment Record

In July 2010 York Osteoarchaeology Ltd was commissioned by the York Archaeological Trust for Excavation and Research Ltd to carry out the osteological analysis of four inhumed skeletons. These were excavated between 1976 and 1981, prior to the redevelopment of 16-22 Coppergate, York (SE 605 515). Based on the artefactual evidence, the skeletons were thought to be Anglo-Scandinavian, dating to around the late ninth century AD. The individuals were buried in pits in a variety of positions and orientations, similar to those from nearby Spurriergate, two of which were radiocarbon dated to the late eighth century AD. Osteological analysis found that the individuals buried at Coppergate included a young adult female, a mature adult female, an old middle adult male and a possible male adult. Evidence for disc herniation in the spine was noted in three adults. Muscular trauma was observed in all four individuals, particularly in the upper arms. The two older adults suffered from a variety of congenital anomalies, the majority of which affected the spine and would have had little effect on the individuals. The mature adult female also had congenital hip dislocation, which led to secondary problems; a limp, formation of an artificial hip joint with secondary osteoarthritis, inflammation, disuse and wasting of the affected leg and hip, over-use of the opposite leg causing muscular trauma and osteoarthritis and one-sided degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis of the spine. She may have used crutches and had unusually robust arms and shoulders, as well as degenerative joint disease in the shoulders, hips and right hand. The old middle adult male had further congenital defects; a cleft spinous process of the first sacral vertebra and a distorted breast bone. He also suffered from degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis of the spine and mild degeneration of the shoulders, hips and ribs. He had receding inflammation of the lower limbs and skull. Both males showed evidence for damage or restriction to their blood supply in the left elbow of the male adult and the heel bones of the old middle adult. Evidence for childhood stress due to infection or malnutrition was noted in the young adult female. Dental health was moderate, with poor cleaning practices causing dental plaque concretions to build up and more ante-mortem tooth loss and a larger number of abscesses than the norm, though there were fewer cavities than the early medieval average.