Exhibition: Stories of St James’s Burial Ground

A parrakeet, a miniature portrait, and a very unusual pair of trousers – just some of the surprising discoveries made during HS2 excavations on the former St James’s Burial Ground near Euston. Explore the weird and wonderful stories behind these objects, told through the eyes of five real Londoners from the past.

Stories of St James’s Burial Ground is a new, free exhibition for all the family, featuring interactive sculptures. Hosted at the heart of the original parish, the voices of past Londoners are brought back to life through a captivating audio experience. You’ll also find out about the HS2 dig at Euston – one of the largest archaeological excavations of its kind ever undertaken in the UK.

Between 2017 and 2021, specialists from MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) and Headland Archaeology, joined forces to record over 11,000 burials from St James’s Burial Ground as part of the HS2 archaeological works. The Burial Ground was in use by the parish of St James’s Church, Piccadilly between 1789 and 1853. From dressmaker, Elizabeth Mercer, to luxury business owner, Charles Fortnum, the people buried here came from all walks of life and lived across the Capital.

Whilst research into the findings from the excavations is still ongoing, the Stories of St James’s Burial Ground can now begin to be told.