Object of the week- Green-stained skeleton

Buried in the ground for centuries, this woman’s green-stained skeleton reveals a fascinating story.

Discovered at London’s Royal Mint, the unknown woman’s remains date from between 1350 and 1400.

What is known is that she died between the ages of 26 and 35 and over many years the copper waste produced from the coin manufacturer stained parts of her teeth and skull a vivid green.

Currently on loan from The Museum of London, the skeleton is on display at Leeds City Museum as part of a captivating free exhibition exploring more than 2,000 years of human history.

Skeletons: Our Buried Bones brings together 12 skeletons from Yorkshire and London, and examines the health and heritage of people living in different eras.

Analysed by specialist osteoarchaeologists from the Museum of London, each skeleton story reveals more about the health conditions and injuries they suffered and how they may have died.

Also part of the exhibition are the remains of a Medieval anchoress from the Church of All Saints in Fishergate, York and a Medieval man who survived being shot in the back by an arrow or crossbow, only to be killed later by the Black Death.

Others on display include a mystery Iron Age man and woman found buried together during archaeological excavations beside the A1 near Bramham between 2007 and 2008.

Councillor Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “It’s inspiring to see Leeds City Museum welcoming such a bold and captivating exhibition which pushes the boundaries of heritage and culture and helps us to think more about the human stories behind our history.”

Skeletons: Our Buried Bones will be at Leeds City Museum until January 7 2018.

ENDS