18th August 2014, 10:35 AM
You are broadly correct.
The guidance for how long and what circumastances a 'historic' grave rather than a purely 'archaeological' one, usually 18th/19th century+, will depend on the context of the excavation, the site and the reason for investigation, but is entirely down to the Ministry of Justice rather than hard-and-fast rules, who I might add do issue very helpful advice, though a little lawyerly and often not rapidly. I find it is best to phone them, outline your project and then official e-mails will be more forthcoming.
Also on a practical note, as long as you ensure careful packaging and screening, your more pressing concerns may be with environmental/safety issues (including checking with the local environmental health officer).
The guidance for how long and what circumastances a 'historic' grave rather than a purely 'archaeological' one, usually 18th/19th century+, will depend on the context of the excavation, the site and the reason for investigation, but is entirely down to the Ministry of Justice rather than hard-and-fast rules, who I might add do issue very helpful advice, though a little lawyerly and often not rapidly. I find it is best to phone them, outline your project and then official e-mails will be more forthcoming.
Also on a practical note, as long as you ensure careful packaging and screening, your more pressing concerns may be with environmental/safety issues (including checking with the local environmental health officer).