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Medieval Norwich Mystery - History Cold Case - S02 EP01 - History Documentary

Banijay History・39 minutes read

A team led by Professor Sue Black investigates disarticulated remains of 17 individuals, including children and adults, found in a medieval well in Norwich, with DNA analysis pointing to a connection to the Jewish community and potential persecution. The team uncovers evidence of traumatic deaths, challenging traditional narratives and shedding light on the dark history of medieval England and the treatment of Jews.

Insights

  • The University of Dundee's history cold-case team, led by forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black, is investigating disarticulated remains of 17 individuals, including men, women, and children, found in a medieval well in Norwich, challenging traditional burial practices and suggesting a complex historical narrative.
  • Scientific analysis, including DNA testing and facial reconstructions, reveals that at least five individuals in the well were from Norwich's Jewish community, potentially linked to tragic events like mass murder or ethnic cleansing, highlighting a history of Jewish persecution in England and shedding light on the dark past of medieval England.

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Recent questions

  • What is the University of Dundee's history cold-case team investigating?

    Disarticulated remains of 17 individuals found in a medieval well in Norwich.

  • Who is leading the investigation of the disarticulated remains found in Norwich?

    Forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black.

  • What challenges does the site of the discovery present for the investigation team?

    The site is now under a shopping center.

  • What historical evidence is Dr. Xanthi Mallet gathering for the investigation?

    Evidence related to the deceased individuals.

  • What scientific tests are planned by the investigation team?

    DNA analysis and stable isotope testing.

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Summary

00:00

Medieval well holds mystery of 17 bodies.

  • The University of Dundee's history cold-case team is investigating disarticulated remains of 17 individuals found in a medieval well in Norwich.
  • The bodies include men, women, and young children, raising questions about their identities and how they ended up in the well.
  • The investigation is led by forensic anthropologist Professor Sue Black, with Dr. Xanthi Mallet gathering historical evidence and Professor Caroline Wilkinson reconstructing the faces of the deceased.
  • DNA expert Dr. Ian Barnes is part of the team to aid in retracing events and identifying the skeletons.
  • The team is puzzled by the disarticulated remains, which include children, and the lack of adherence to traditional Christian burial practices.
  • The site of the discovery, now under a shopping center, presents a challenging case for the team.
  • The team conducts a detailed analysis of the bones, noting signs of anemia and poor nutrition among the children.
  • Scientific tests, including DNA analysis and stable isotope testing, are planned to determine the cause of death and origins of the individuals.
  • The team focuses on reconstructing the faces of two skeletons, including a child and an adult male, to gather more information about their identities.
  • Historical investigation reveals that Norwich was a major city in the 11th and 12th centuries, with a booming population and various industries, potentially linking the deceased to local trades like tanning and skinning.

18:22

Medieval Norwich: Health, Hygiene, and History

  • Medieval tanners in Europe used human urine and feces to soften leather.
  • Living in Norwich led to a shorter life expectancy due to noxious fumes and poor living conditions.
  • Poor hygiene and harsh working conditions made locals vulnerable to serious infections.
  • Facial reconstruction of a male adult skull from Norwich is underway.
  • Reconstruction of a shattered child's skull requires significant work.
  • The Great Hospital of Norwich catered to the growing population in the 12th and 13th centuries.
  • Iron deficiency was prevalent in women and children in Norwich, possibly due to malaria.
  • The people in the well may have died from an incurable disease like malaria.
  • Norwich had a thriving Jewish community, possibly linked to the individuals found in the well.
  • DNA analysis revealed that at least five individuals in the well were from the Jewish community and likely family members.

35:37

Medieval well victims reveal dark history.

  • Dropping down a well could cause trauma, especially if someone is alive, possibly indicating mass murder or ethnic cleansing.
  • Sue examines bones and discovers burst fractures on an adult, indicating forceful impact on legs or head.
  • Radiating fracture lines on adult leg bones suggest trauma to extended legs, possibly from landing on a hard surface.
  • Sue believes the well was dry, and adult victims were killed before or shortly after being thrown down.
  • Forensic pathologist Stuart Hamilton explains the fatal impact of falling down a well, potentially leading to crush asphyxia.
  • Stuart suggests that the lack of fatal trauma on bones doesn't rule out murder, citing a case with no bony injuries despite a homicidal assault.
  • Stuart explains crush asphyxia, where chest compression from multiple people can lead to suffocation.
  • Jewish historian Marie Reuben discusses the history of Jewish persecution in England, leading to the expulsion of Jews in 1290.
  • Marie suggests the victims may have suffocated from smoke inhalation during a violent incident in the 1230s in Norwich.
  • The team concludes the investigation, sharing their findings with the local community at the medieval guild hall in Norwich.

51:42

Mysterious Norwich well remains reveal tragic history

  • Investigation in Norwich delves into mysterious remains found in a well, sparking questions about the individuals' identities and circumstances of their deaths.
  • Scientific analysis rules out common diseases like leprosy or TB, leading to the revelation that the individuals were likely Jewish, challenging the community's historical narrative.
  • The discovery of familial connections among the remains suggests a tragic history of persecution and possibly murder or suicide, shedding light on the dark past of medieval England and the treatment of Jews.
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