Human burials under the floor of a catholic church in St. Augustine highlight the dramatic cultural shifts that occurred there centuries ago.

I’m Dr. Judy Bense, and this is Unearthing Florida…

Originally built by the Spanish sometime shortly after 1572, the chapel of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad was used by both the Spanish and British through the early 18th century.

The Spanish and British control of this building is reflected in the different types of burial practices uncovered under the church and in the church yard by archaeologists Kathleen Deagan and Joan Koch.

The Spanish and British burials were quite distinct. For example, while most the older Spanish burials were wrapped in shrouds with the individual’s arms crossed over their chests, the British burials were placed in coffins with the individual’s arms at their side. In addition, Spanish burials were oriented to the east, while the British burials were oriented to the west.

Written, narrated, and produced by the University of West Florida, the Florida Public Archaeology Network and WUWF Public Media.