Louise Fowler
Museum of London Archaeology, Research and Education, Department Member
- Archaeology, Stratigraphy, Urban archaeology, History of Anatomy, Post Medieval London, Post Medieval Archaeology, and 12 moreMedieval London, The Archaeology of London, Roman London, Field Work, Historical Archaeology, History of Medicine, Death and Burial (Archaeology), Anglo-Saxon archaeology, Medieval Carpentry Techniques, Waterfront Archaeology, Embodiment, and Tim Ingoldedit
The London Hospital, located in the heart of the East End, grew in tandem with the industrialisation and increasing population of an impoverished area of the capital. It provided care and emergency facilities to employees of local... more
The London Hospital, located in the heart of the East End, grew in tandem with the industrialisation and increasing population of an impoverished area of the capital. It provided care and emergency facilities to employees of local industries amongst others. Archaeological excavations uncovered a forgotten burial ground for poor patients. Osteological and documentary evidence combined to reveal that many of the dead were first given to the hospital medical school for anatomical study. Human dissection no doubt contributed to scientific development within the medical profession, but the practice came with consequences that many at the time found unpalatable.
Research Interests:
The study of anatomy in England during the 18th and 19th century has become infamous for bodysnatching from graveyards to provide a sufficient supply of cadavers. However, recent discoveries have improved our understanding of how and why... more
The study of anatomy in England during the 18th and 19th century has become infamous for bodysnatching from graveyards to provide a sufficient supply of cadavers. However, recent discoveries have improved our understanding of how and why anatomy was studied during the enlightenment, and allow us to see the context in which dissection of the human body took place. Excavations of infirmary burial grounds and medical school cemeteries, study of hospital archives, and analysis of the content of surviving anatomical collections in medical museums enables us to re-evaluate the field from a fresh perspective. The pathway from a death in poverty, sale of the corpse to body dealer, dissection by anatomist or medical student, and either the disposal and burial of the remains or preservation of teaching specimens that survive today in medical museums is a complex and fascinating one.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
"Archaeological excavation by MOLA at Watermark Place in the City of London revealed evidence for the development of the city waterfront from the 13th century onwards. The remains of substantial and well-preserved timber river walls and... more
"Archaeological excavation by MOLA at Watermark Place in the City of London revealed evidence for the development of the city waterfront from the 13th century onwards. The remains of substantial and well-preserved timber river walls and timber/stone dock walls were recorded, and the use of tree-ring dating enabled the construction of one large timber river wall and dock to be dated to the year 1339. Many of the recorded structures related to the medieval wharf known as the Haywharf, probably originally so-named because it was where hay was imported into the city before c 1300. In common with other excavations of medieval waterfronts in the City, the waterlogged deposits associated with the structural remains produced a remarkable array of finds, including over 700 accessioned finds. Large medieval foundations on the site probably relate to the mansion known as Coldharbour, which was constructed on the site by the early 14th century. Later remains included a sequence of 15th- to 16th-century industrial stone hearths or furnaces, and documentary evidence suggests that it is likely these were associated with either brewing or dyeing on the site. Also recorded were structures associated with the Calvert’s/City of London brewery, which stood on the site from the 18th century until it was bombed during World War II.
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Research Interests:
This publication presents the results of the largest archaeological excavation undertaken in Lundenwic since the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House in 1996. Located in the north-west of the Middle Saxon settlement, the site stood on... more
This publication presents the results of the largest archaeological excavation undertaken in Lundenwic since the redevelopment of the Royal Opera House in 1996. Located in the north-west of the Middle Saxon settlement, the site stood on the eastern bank of a watercourse now marked by the alignment of St Martin's Lane. Early Saxon pottery and other finds from the site may support the hypothesis that the origins of Lundenwic lie along this tributary.
By the 7th century AD, settlement was well established here. A cookshop and a workshop for non-ferrous metal processing have both been identified, as has debris from a nearby smithy. The site's situations towards the periphery of Lundenwic is reflected by evidence for flax and cereal processing and the stabling of livestock. Settlement expended northwards and westwards in the early 8th century, but was short-lived. A defensive ditch, potentially dating to the mid 8th century, truncated buildings in the north of the site but had gone out of used by the late 8th/9th century. The latest carbon dated inhumation so far found in Lundenwic (cal AD 720-940) was recorded.
Understanding of daily life in Lundenwic has been enhanced thanks to the exceptional level of organic preservation. Rare Saxon leather shoes were recovered, as well as wooden artefacts and uncharred botanical reamins.
By the 7th century AD, settlement was well established here. A cookshop and a workshop for non-ferrous metal processing have both been identified, as has debris from a nearby smithy. The site's situations towards the periphery of Lundenwic is reflected by evidence for flax and cereal processing and the stabling of livestock. Settlement expended northwards and westwards in the early 8th century, but was short-lived. A defensive ditch, potentially dating to the mid 8th century, truncated buildings in the north of the site but had gone out of used by the late 8th/9th century. The latest carbon dated inhumation so far found in Lundenwic (cal AD 720-940) was recorded.
Understanding of daily life in Lundenwic has been enhanced thanks to the exceptional level of organic preservation. Rare Saxon leather shoes were recovered, as well as wooden artefacts and uncharred botanical reamins.
Research Interests:
"Monograph co-authored with Natasha Powers. In 2006, archaeological excavations in the grounds of the Royal London Hospital uncovered the remains of a burial ground used primarily for deceased but unclaimed patients. The buried... more
"Monograph co-authored with Natasha Powers.
In 2006, archaeological excavations in the grounds of the Royal London Hospital uncovered the remains of a burial ground used primarily for deceased but unclaimed patients. The buried population included at least 259 people who died between c 1825 and 1841. These were mostly adult and male, and many, prior to the Anatomy Act of 1832, had been dissected or subjected to autopsy; this took place alongside the vivisection of animals, including exotic species. A wealth of primary documentation is combined with the archaeological evidence to reveal the day-to-day life of the hospital and the complex relationship between medical innovation and criminal activity in the early 19th century."
In 2006, archaeological excavations in the grounds of the Royal London Hospital uncovered the remains of a burial ground used primarily for deceased but unclaimed patients. The buried population included at least 259 people who died between c 1825 and 1841. These were mostly adult and male, and many, prior to the Anatomy Act of 1832, had been dissected or subjected to autopsy; this took place alongside the vivisection of animals, including exotic species. A wealth of primary documentation is combined with the archaeological evidence to reveal the day-to-day life of the hospital and the complex relationship between medical innovation and criminal activity in the early 19th century."