The skeletal remains of a baby boy were found under floorboards during renovations in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in July 2024. The baby was discovered wrapped in the June 19, 1910 edition of The Umpire, a Sunday newspaper, with twine around his neck. Forensic examination revealed the baby was a full-term male, approximately 40 weeks old.
The twine was looped three times around the baby's neck. The cause of death could not be ascertained. A forensic postmortem examination was conducted by Dr Louise Mulcahy and Dr Micol Zuppello.
It was not possible to determine if the baby was stillborn. Carbon dating suggested the baby may have lived between 1726 and 1812. Another radiocarbon dating determined the baby was born before the first atomic bomb test in 1945.
The property where the remains were found is a Victorian-era building. The building at one stage housed a church-run mother and baby unit. Durham Police were contacted by the building firm about the discovery.
Police concluded the baby had been undisturbed for a number of years. Police said they would try to trace records for the property to find who lived there between 1900 and 1920 due to the newspaper. An inquest was opened on Tuesday in Crook, County Durham.
The baby was named 'Baby Auckland' for the inquest proceedings. The coroner's officer Stephanie Clough reported the baby was found deceased on 29 July 2024. The senior coroner Jeremy Chipperfield formally released the remains so that a funeral could take place.
A funeral will be held later this month for the baby in Bishop Auckland after police and council arranged a proper burial. This case highlights historical mysteries and the challenges in resolving such discoveries.