Construction workers excavate old graveyard
On Mon, Oct. 17, work on the Baker Street parking lot came to an abrupt stop when excavations discovered an old brick tunnel and large shards of a 150-year-old—likely human—skull.
The City of Guelph currently has no specific information on the origin of these bone shards, though it is well known that Baker Street was the site of Guelph’s first graveyard. It was in use from 1827 to the 1850s, and served as a mass grave for the poor or strangers to the city.
“…excavations discovered an old brick tunnel and large shards of a 150-year-old—likely human—skull.”
According to CBC News, The City’s transportation services manager, Allister McIlveen, has called a coroner and archaeologist to investigate the remains before issuing an update.
Many of the bones in the public burial ground were removed, but it appears some were left behind. It seems every excavation on Baker Street is likely to uncover something grisly. In 2005, the bones of a man, woman, and nine infants, along with various other remains were discovered. Another infant’s skeleton was unearthed in 2010.
“…Guelph’s first graveyard. It was in use from 1827 to the 1850s, and served as a mass grave for…”
Remains discovered under Baker Street are reinterred to a special section of Woodlawn Memorial Park.
As for the tunnel, no one is certain of its origins or purpose. An old parking booth in the lot is to be demolished, and its water shut off is located in a section of the old tunnel. The Baker Street building formerly housed a power generating station.
There are three more tunnels that run from 40 Baker Street to Wyndham Street, and all are tall enough for people to pass under.
Photo by Sapphire Liu.