Theme :Field Research

Crypt Archaeology

This is a paper published by the Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA). Is written by Margaret Cox is an archaeologist and professor at Bournemouth University.

This paper is an investigation about the condition of St.Pancras New Church crypt. It studies the possibilities of converting the crypt into a homeless centre for young adults in1997. The crypt nowadays is an Art Gallery. Church Crypts have the potential for many types of developments. These developments can include cafe, museum, musical facilities and other services for the church.

It addresses all the elements to take into consideration when intervening a crypt. This paper is the continuation of the excavation of the crypt of Christ Church in the early 80s. This paper exposes the various stages to discuss crypt archaeology such as the legal position, the psychological position and the field work.

This paper exposes all the relevant legal act concerning crypts excavations. They argue that the legislation and regulation concerning a crypt where humans remain are found extraordinarily complex and to seek legal advice is recommended.

This manuscript targets a framework of research questions. This paper divides the fieldwork into three teams. The crypt was subdivided into three aisles, one is for full vaults, other for partly walled and capped off, and the other fully and completely walled in. Each crypt was individually studied and its distinctive physical characteristics documented.

The environmental parameters were recorded electronically every two hours within a year. Parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, oxygen, methane and carbon monoxide. The IFA states that each crypt should be considered in their own context.

As expected from the Spitalfields projects, All the coffins were partly covered in spoil and most of the crypts after the Burial Act 1852, which stated the closure of crypts. As indicated by Cox, Spoil was used as a sanitising layer.

The text explains the treatment of human remains depending on the condition it was stored.

In conclusion, This paper was a great source to gain knowledge about the exploration of crypts and all the elements to consider when working with a crypt. This paper helps me understand more clearly my site and gave me the plan to understand the space more in-depth. This paper set the guidelines to use in the excavation of crypts.

Annotated Biography

Cox, M. (1999). Crypt Archaeology: an approach. IFA paper, No. 3.

This paper sets the guidelines to work with the design, execution and excavation of crypts. It studies the condition of the St. Pancras crypt and how to treat all conditions regarding working with crypts. It an extensive study that takes into consideration all factors such as legal and fieldwork excavation.