Paper short abstract:

This paper aims to explore the status of children in the medieval period by comparing the osteological evidence on their development and health with archaeological data on burial practice.

Paper long abstract:

Medieval burial practice in England tends to be fairly homogenous, with the majority of Christians laid to rest in simple graves. Although this is generally true, subtle variations in burial practice are present. Status of the individual in medieval society was highly important whether this was defined by income, lineage, religious role, gender or age. This paper aims to explore the status of children through an analysis of burial location alongside the biological evidence for their growth and health. The location of burial is thought to relate to status, with high status individuals buried within church buildings, whilst those of low status would be located on the periphery of the cemetery. Osteological analysis can inform us about age, development, and the health of individual children, and this evidence can enable us to interpret status, in the form of the health and growth of individuals. Several forms of biological evidence were recorded, including dental age, long bone length, the presence or absence of stress indicators, and dental health. These biological markers were explored in relation to location of burial within the cemetery, and the proximity of burial to the church. The remains of two hundred and sixty-two children dating from the twelfth to the mid-sixteenth centuries were analysed from three priory cemeteries; SS Peter and Paul, Taunton, St Oswald, Gloucester, and St Gregory, Canterbury.