Dark Side of Medieval Convent Life Revealed : Discovery News

British archaeologists excavating a church site in Oxford have brought to light the darker side of medieval convent life, revealing skeletons of nuns who died in disgrace after being accused of immoral behavior.

Discovered ahead of the construction of a new hotel, the burial ground stretches around what used to be Littlemore Priory, a nunnery founded in 1110 and dissolved in 1525.

Archaeologists led by Paul Murray, of John Moore Heritage Services, found 92 skeletons of women, men and children.

“Burials within the church are likely to represent wealthy or eminent individuals, nuns and prioresses,” Murray said in a statement.

“Those buried outside most likely represent the laity and a general desire to be buried as close to the religious heart of the church as possible,” he added.

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