The Disappeared Gold of the Black Plague Burials in England

The Disappeared Gold of the Black Plague Burials in England

The Black Plague, one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, swept through England in the mid-14th century, resulting in the deaths of millions. As a result, mass burials became a grim necessity. Alongside this tragedy, a curious legacy of wealth and disappearance emerged: the gold and treasures that were believed to accompany the deceased for safe passage.

The Context of the Black Plague

A Brief Overview of the Black Plague

The Black Death, a pandemic caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, reached England in 1348, heralded by ships carrying infected rats and fleas. By 1350, it had decimated approximately one-third of England’s population, causing widespread fear, social upheaval, and a breakdown of communities.

The Impact of the Plague on Society

The pandemic resulted in a dramatic demographic shift, leading to labor shortages and economic changes. Social structures crumbled under the weight of grief and fear, and entire families perished. Surviving members sacrificed their riches to secure their safety, visibility of wealth shifted, and the practice of burying the dead transformed as illness spread like wildfire.

Historical Accounts of Wealth during the Plague

Prior to the plague, England was marked by a feudal system, where landownership was synonymous with wealth. However, with the sweeping mortality rate during the plague, the value of gold and treasure was recognized in a new light as a means of negotiation in times of destruction. Chroniclers like Giovanni Boccaccio documented the peculiar phenomenon of hoarding wealth even in the presence of imminent death.

Burying the Dead: Customs and Practices

Mass Graves and Burials

In response to the overwhelming death toll, England saw the emergence of mass graves. Notable locations such as Smithfield in London became infamous for their role as burial sites. Churchyards overflowed, leading to the establishment of plague pits, where bodies were often buried without individual recognition. This disregard for personal identifiers meant treasures might remain hidden or lost amidst communal burials.

Ritual and Treasure Practices

During the 14th century, it was customary for affluent individuals to be buried with personal artifacts, including gold and jewelry, believed to aid in the afterlife. As spiritual beliefs dictated the need for these items, it became common practice for families to take great care in the final resting places of their wealth. However, with the threat of the plague, many individuals (and their families) hurriedly buried loved ones, often ignoring traditional practices, leading to the potential loss of these treasures.

Documented Burial Sites

Prominent burial sites across England during the plague include:

• Smithfield, London
• Holy Trinity Church, Coventry
• St. Mary Magdalen, Winchester
• Bastard’s Hill, Norwich
• St. Thomas’ Churchyard, Oxford

The Mystique of Lost Treasures

Legends and Folklore

After the plague, narratives began to emerge—stories of hidden gold, treasures lost among hastily buried corpses. These tales formed a rich tapestry of folklore that inspired treasure hunters and scholars alike. Some of the more notable legends include:

• The treasure of Smithfield: Said to be buried beneath the now vibrant Smithfield Market, rumored to include a wealth of gold ingots from noble families.
• Bastard’s Hill bounty: Tales of gold coins and jewelry buried within the mass graves have drawn treasure seekers for centuries.
• Coventry’s hidden gems: Local lore suggests that victims of the plague were often buried with their valuables, leading many to search for these treasures in the church grounds.

Historical Documentations and Claims

Various archival sources, including church registers and legal documents, reference the immense wealth that was thought to accompany the plague victims. One contrasting document is the will of John Wycliffe, an early reformer, which was found posthumously and suggests he had left considerable wealth intended for charitable works. The treasure seekers often pursued claims of hidden wealth, backed by such historical references.

Modern Investigations: Archaeological Insights

Excavations of Plague Pits

In recent decades, archaeological excavations at locations like Smithfield have yielded a plethora of artifacts that support the existence of mass burials during the plague. Researchers have unearthed:

• Bone fragments of plague victims, confirmed by historical analysis.
• Personal effects, such as jewelry, coins, and pocket watches, that reveal the economic status of the deceased.
• Incomplete skeletons, suggesting hurriedly conducted burials.

Technological Advancements in Archaeology

New methodologies such as DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating have enabled historians and archaeologists to glean deeper insights into the social strata, including those who perished during the plague. These methods assist in confirming wealth indicators through the discovery of artifacts often buried with the deceased.

Case Studies of Plague-Era Treasures

The Case of Smithfield’s Treasure

This site serves as an exemplary case study highlighting gold and treasure hidden in mass graves during the Black Plague. Archaeological digs have unearthed thousands of skeletal remains along with coins, jewelry, and ornate items that were possibly meant for the afterlife. Local legend speaks of a hidden chest of gold within these premises, further driving the curiosity of treasure hunters.

The Plague Pits of London

Recent urban development in London has unearthed remnants of plague pits, inciting a mix of fear and fascination. Major excavations in areas such as East Smithfield resulted in the recovery of numerous artifacts, including:

• Dozens of lead and silver coins from the medieval period.
• Intricately designed gold rings.
• Tattered pieces of clothing that suggest wealth in their construction.

These findings add weight to the theory that considerable amounts of gold and wealth were buried with the deceased during the plague.

The Legacy of Buried Wealth

Impact on Future Treasure Hunting

The allure of treasure buried during the plague period has motivated countless treasure hunters over the centuries. The rich history surrounding these tales continues to spur modern-day adventures, as men and women equipped with metal detectors and excavation tools scour historical sites across England.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The act of unearthing potential treasures from plague burial sites is not without its ethical concerns. Current legal frameworks in England protect archaeological sites, requiring permission for excavations and ensuring respectful treatment of human remains. Engaging in responsible treasure hunting practices upholds the dignity of the deceased while also respecting historical integrity.

Conclusion: The Disappeared Gold of the Black Plague

The narrative surrounding the disappeared gold associated with the burials of Black Plague victims in England is a compelling blend of history, tragedy, and mystery. While many treasures may remain buried or lost to time, their stories echo through centuries, compelling modern adventurers and historians to continue hunting for remnants of a past laden with wealth and sorrow. As excavation techniques advance, the hope to unveil more treasures lost to history persists, preserving not only material wealth but also the rich historical narratives entwined with these artifacts.