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Ancient Anglo-Saxon Remains Unearthed During Home Renovation in Kent, England
In 2019, a routine home renovation project in Wye, Kent, England, unexpectedly uncovered ancient human remains, causing a temporary police investigation. Ross Sledger, the homeowner, initially believed the bones belonged to a farm animal or pet when a builder discovered them during a kitchen addition. Upon learning the remains were human, Sledger expressed shock, stating, 'You must be joking, this is a wind-up,' but the builder confirmed the seriousness of the find. Archaeologists later determined the bones were Anglo-Saxon, dating back approximately 1,000 years. The discovery included a femur, two skulls, ribs, part of a pelvis, and fragments of a humerus and finger bones. Police treated the site as a potential crime scene, with officers stationed overnight and neighbors' floodlights and a barking dog disrupting Sledger's sleep. After 48 hours, specialists confirmed the remains were ancient, not related to a modern crime. The remains were transferred to a historical society and later re-interred in August 2026 during a ceremony at a nearby church. The vicar chose the hymn 'Jerusalem' for the ceremony, which Sledger described as a fitting tribute. Sledger also recounted finding additional bone fragments while installing artificial grass, causing further renovation delays. The article notes that such discoveries are not uncommon in the UK, citing another couple who found a hoard of 70 historic English coins in their backyard in 2020, which sold for over Β£380,000 at auction in 2025. The story emphasizes the unexpected intersection of modern home improvement and historical archaeology, highlighting the careful handling of ancient remains by authorities and the community.