Excavations at Blavatinik

In June and July, prior the start of work on the Blavatnik School of Government, an excavation was undertaken by Oxford Archaeology of the site of the former 18th and 19th Century Radcliffe Infirmary burial ground. The excavation recovered approximately 400 well-preserved, well-spaced, burials. A number of burials revealed evidence for amputation and craniotomy. Additional soil sampling work was undertaken by the University's Archaeological Research Laboratory in anticipation that a research project may follow on from the excavation. The intention is that the remains will be moved to Botley Cemetary. Construction has now started work on the new School of Government with the building of the foundations. The main structural work will begin in spring 2014.