LostSteps

A south London burial ground for prostitutes and paupers reputedly dating back to at least the 15th century was dug up in the 1990s during Jubilee Line Extension works. In 1996 the shamanistic writer John Constable aka John Crow received a series of channelled poems from The Goose, the spirit of a medieval prostitute who claimed to have been buried there. In the 13 years since, Constable / Crow has conducted many ritual performances at the site, including the annual halloween of Cross Bones. Local people have created a shrine at the gates in Redcross Way SE1, and meet there at 7pm on the 23rd of each month to "honour the outcast dead".
Cross Bones Graveyard is on Redcross Way, London SE1
 
"The redevelopment of London SE1 has unearthed a wealth of archaeological treasures... Around here, it seems that wherever you dig, you dig up the bones of the dead. ...take a stroll down Redcross Way, the tranquil back-street running parallel to Borough High Street. Close to the junction with Union Street, you'll see a vacant plot of land, enclosed by London Underground boards on which someone has chalked a skull and crossbones and the words: "Touch For Love". The rusty iron gate is adorned with a bronze plaque, ivy, glittering ribbons, flowers, feathers and other curious totems. This is Cross Bones, an unconsecrated graveyard going back to medieval times."
John Constable (2009)

For more info: www.crossbones.org.uk and please sign the petition for the creation of a Garden of Remembrance on the site of the old graveyard: Garden of Remembrance Crossbones Graveyard

Broadcast

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Lost Steps with John Constable discuss Crossbones Graveyard

Local History, Dig Where You Stand, Folk Tales and Lore,
neglected Literature, Art and Cultures.