7 July 2012 Last updated at 01:44

In Pictures: Crossrail build yields 4,000 skeletons

Human remains are found at Liverpool Street

In constructing Crossrail, nearly 100 key archaeological discoveries have been made, experts say. The line will run 118km through the heart of London. Investigations have confirmed the presence of up to 4,000 complete skeletons.

The Liverpool Street dig reveals several skulls

Archaeologists discovered over 300 burials from the infamous mental health hospital, Bethlehem, or Bedlam. The burial site was used between 1569 and the mid-18th Century. Skeletons were found just 1.5 metres below street level.

A pair of medieval ice skates made from animal bone are among the artefacts being displayed on 7 July from 10:00 to 17:00 BST.

Workshops belonging to the historic Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Company near Canning Town were uncovered. The company was the first shipyard to produce iron ships. It operated until 1912. Excavations revealed wreckage from a large clinker built boat believed to be from the 13th Century.

Extremely rare 55 million-year-old amber fragments were uncovered at the Crossrail Canary Wharf station site. Gas bubbles from within may reveal information about environmental conditions. Dr Ursula Lawrence, Crossrail’s geotechnical expert, said: “It’s very rare to find amber in the UK geology -equivalent to finding a large diamond on the beach.”

The artefacts can be seen for one day at The Music Room, Grays Antiques, 26 South Molton Lane, Mayfair. Eventually, all the items uncovered will be donated to the Museum of London or Natural History Museum.

London

In Pictures: Crossrail build yields 4,000 skeletons

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