NHER 69225 (Find Spot record) - Undated human skull, River Yare

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Summary

In 2025 a large fragment of a human skull was pulled from the River Yare at this location. This was identified as being the remains of an adult female who had possibly been a leprosy sufferer - which would suggest a medieval or earlier date.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TG10NE
Civil Parish COLNEY, SOUTH NORFOLK, NORFOLK

Map

Before 30 June 2025. Stray Find. [1].
Pulled up from River Yare while playing with nets near The Old Rectory:
Undated section of human skull (comprising the frontal bone and facial bones).
This skull was examined by a specialist and identified as the remains of a female individual, with the condition of the surviving teeth suggesting a likely age at death of 25-35 years. The skull was covered in blackish brown riverine silt deposits, with the degree of staining consistent with it having lain in the river for a considerable time. Although the age of these remains is uncertain there is some evidence that this individual had been a leprosy suffer, which would point to a medieval or earlier date.
See report (S1) for further details.
P. Watkins (HES), 8 July 2025.

  • <S1> Unpublished Report: Anderson, S. 2025. River Yare, north of Old Rectory, Colney, Norfolk, NR8 5DG: Human skeletal remains. Human Skeletal Remains Report.
  • HUMAN REMAINS (Unknown date)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Jul 8 2025 10:23AM

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