Boy's discovery reveals historic human remains

National Trust archaeologist Jim Parry with Arthur at the site

Archaeologists have uncovered what may be a significant historic burial site on the south coast of Cornwall.

It follows the chance discovery of human teeth by a seven-year-old boy near Lizard Point.

Arthur was on holiday with his family three weeks ago when he spotted three teeth while walking.

A National Trust archaeologist believes the site could be linked to a shipwreck in which 200 people were lost.

Some of the remains are thought to be from shipwreck victims

After 1808, the Grylls Act decreed that drowned remains washed ashore should be buried in consecrated ground.

Prior to the act, remains were buried unceremoniously on the nearest cliff to the spot the deceased came ashore.

Arthur handed the teeth to Ken Wallace, a National Trust volunteer and retired dentist, who immediately identified them as human.

"I was showing people the seals when Arthur came up and said: 'Look what I've got,'" said Mr Wallace.

"He held out a premolar, and then his mother revealed two more molars.

"We went to the spot and saw a piece of bone sticking out of the ground."

The police were initially called to investigate but quickly determined the remains were historic.

The site was handed over to National Trust archaeologist Jim Parry, who has since uncovered multiple burials.

"Just this morning, after a bit of rain, more bones were exposed," Mr Parry said.

"We've now found fragments of jaw bones, teeth, and a skull.

"It looks like we're dealing with a much larger burial site, possibly 10 individuals or more."

Archaeologists are investigating the site

Mr Parry said he believed the site could be linked to one of the area's many shipwrecks.

"It's exactly the kind of event that could explain a site like this," he said.

"But it's also possible the burials span centuries, with individuals added over time."

Carbon dating is now under way to determine the age of the remains, which could range from the early Bronze Age to just a few hundred years old.

Excavation work is expected to continue for several months.

Arthur, whose curiosity sparked the investigation, has been invited to follow the progress of the dig.