South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 07 January 1961
An 1870 Cholera Victim?
Conisbro’ Skeleton Found on Site of Old Moot Hall
A human skeleton, believed to be that of a victim of a cholera epidemic of more than 100 years ago, was unearthed in Conisbrough on Wednesday.
Conisbrough Urban Council workmen made the discovery while digging for an electric cable to the cottage adjoining the Old Priory in High Street, Conisbrough, which is to be part of new modern council offices.
The bones, 20 in all, were taken by Conisbrough Police to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, where Dr. H. Lederer, Pathologist estimated their age at over 100 years.
The skeleton cannot be identified because there are no surviving relatives. The Doncaster District Coroner, Mr. W. H. Carlile, has decided that further investigations are not necessary.
A police official said yesterday that the History of Conisbrough showed there had been a cholera epidemic in the 1870’s and a number of bodies were buried near the Moot Hall, which was located where the Priory now stands.
The discovery of the bones were reported to the police by the works foreman, Mr. A. E. Jones. Only part of the skull could be found.
The skeleton has been returned to Conisbrough police station where the police await a decision from the Urban Council on what shall be done with it.