Ancient Human Remains Found During Home Renovation in England

Home renovations often present unexpected challenges, but for Ross Sledger, they transformed into a significant historical discovery. In spring 2019, while adding a kitchen extension to his home in Wye, Kent, a builder unearthed bones, initially assumed to be from a farm animal. However, the bones turned out to be ancient human remains, specifically Anglo-Saxon, about 1,000 years old.

Once discovered, the bones prompted a police investigation involving around ten officers searching the property. They found a femur, two skulls, ribs, part of a pelvis, and fragments of a humerus and finger bones. Initially treated as a modern-day crime scene, the situation soon changed when specialists confirmed the remains were ancient.

“I was stunned when I realized they were human. It felt like a wind-up.” – Ross Sledger

Sledger faced some renovation delays as a result, discovering even more remains later while installing artificial grass. Despite these discoveries, the renovations eventually continued with minimal impact.

After the police confirmed the remains’ historical significance, they were transferred to a historical society. Subsequently, a local vicar arranged their reinterment ceremony in August at a nearby church. The hymn “Jerusalem” was selected for the ceremony, offering a respectful tribute to the ancient individuals.

Sledger’s discovery echoes another recent find wherein a Hampshire couple uncovered 70 historic English coins in their garden, later auctioned for over £380,000. These instances highlight the hidden histories that can lie beneath everyday locations.