13 Black Death skeletons found at construction site in London

The Crossrail project in London unearthed skeletons believed to be victims of the Black Death. Archaeologists discovered these remains beneath Charterhouse Square, highlighting the historical layers beneath the city. The project requires respectful treatment of human remains, which are often reburied after study. The discovery offers insights into London's past pandemics, with researchers like Sharon DeWitt analyzing DNA to understand the evolution of diseases like the plague. Such archaeological digs are only permitted alongside urban development, promising more historical finds as the project progresses.

What does Sharon DeWitt hope to achieve by mapping the DNA signature of the plague virus?

What conditions must be met for archaeological digs to be permitted in London?