Crossbones Graveyard was recently rediscovered. During the medieval and Tudor era, South of the River Thames was where the seamier side of life was found: taverns, brothels, theatres…and all manner of dodgy trades.
Prostitutes were known as “Geese”. They often lived short, horrible lives, and were buried in unconsecrated ground near what is now Borough High Street. Later it was frequented by grave robbers who dug up bodies to sell for medical research, including to nearby Guy’s Hospital.
The graveyard, which is estimated to hold 15000 remains, was rediscovered in the 1990s, when improvements to the underground lines were planned. It has since become a shrine to the poor people interred there.
