Find Spot MPM1692 - Skeletons, Hilsea Barracks

Five human skeletons found at Hilsea Barracks in 1897 and a further three skeletons discovered in 1939. Exact location unknown, but those found in 1939 were reportedly near the south side of the parade ground.

Five human skeletons were discovered by a party of Royal Engineers digging a trench for drainage works at Hilsea Barracks in August 1897. The skeletons were said to be of 'large stature' and lying in irregular positions. The newspaper report from the Hampshire Advertiser refers to a 15th century Gatcombe Priory and burial ground*, which was said to be 'more than a hundred yards from where the skeletons were discovered'. [1]

Workmen excavating trenches for sewage work at Hilsea Barracks on the 5th April 1939 discovered a further three human skeletons. The remains were encountered at a depth of 3ft 9in, near the south side of the parade ground. Two of the skeletons were lying side by side, lengthways across the trench. The third was situated at a slightly lower depth. Only one skull remained intact. The remains of another skull appeared to show evidence of trepanning. The remains were taken to the City Mortuary to be examined. [2]

No further information is known about these discoveries. The locational point for this record has been placed roughly near where the southern part of the parade ground is estimated to have been but the exact locations from which the remains were recovered is not known.

A burial ground immediately south of the barracks is marked on maps and plans dated 1801 and 1805, and is referred to in several historical sources (see MPM1696). This area had been developed as part of the barracks by 1870 and would have been roughly south of the parade ground.

*There is no evidence for a priory at Gatcombe. See MPM1696 for Gatcombe Burial Ground.

<1> 1897, The Hampshire Advertiser County Newspaper (Bibliographic reference). SPM338.

<2> Portsmouth Evening News, 1939, Portsmouth Evening News (Bibliographic reference). SPM337.