A routine day of exploration for a seven-year-old boy at
Archaeologist Jim Parry led the initial investigation, which quickly revealed that the teeth were part of a larger, eroding burial site. Subsequent fieldwork uncovered fragments of jawbone and a skull, confirming that the coastal mound held human remains. What began as a singular discovery has since evolved into a multi-phase excavation, with experts now estimating that the site may contain the remains of between 20 and 25 individuals.
Potential link to 18th-century maritime disaster
A breakthrough in the investigation occurred during an excavation in November 2025, when archaeologists recovered the remains of five individuals buried in an east-to-west orientation. The absence of clothing or burial artefacts suggested to the National Trust team that the site was not a conventional cemetery. Radiocarbon dating of the remains pointed to the early 1720s, a timeframe that aligns with one of Cornwall’s most significant maritime tragedies: the sinking of the
The Royal Anne Galley, a British naval vessel, was lost after striking the Stag Rocks off Lizard Point during severe weather. Historical records from Historic England indicate that more than 200 people perished in the disaster, with only three survivors reported. While local tradition has long suggested that victims of the wreck were buried in the Lizard area, no definitive burial site had been identified until now. Despite the chronological alignment, the National Trust has maintained a cautious stance, noting that while the connection is a strong possibility, it remains unproven.
Ongoing excavation and analysis
The scale of the site became more apparent during a follow-up excavation in June 2026, conducted in partnership with the Meneage Archaeology Group. This effort brought the total number of identified individuals to approximately 12, including a jumbled deposit of bones representing several others. Osteoarchaeological analysis has already provided minor insights into the lives of the deceased, including one individual whose teeth displayed wear patterns consistent with the regular use of a clay pipe.
The site remains vulnerable to the elements, as the coastal position of the mound continues to suffer from erosion. Archaeologists are scheduled to return for a final phase of fieldwork in late 2026 to recover any remaining remains before they are lost to the sea. Once the physical recovery is complete, the focus will shift to the laboratory, where researchers intend to catalogue and analyse the findings in hopes of uncovering more definitive information regarding the identities and origins of those buried at the site.
