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Baby Found in Floorboards: Inquest Set
18 May
Summary
- Baby found under floorboards wrapped in old newspaper.
- Inquest set for September 17 to determine cause of death.
- Carbon dating suggests baby lived between 1726 and 1812.
An inquest date has been set for a baby, named Baby Auckland by authorities, whose body was found concealed beneath floorboards. The discovery was made by contractors renovating a building in Bishop Auckland on July 29, 2024. The infant, estimated to be a full-term child, was discovered wrapped in an edition of The Umpire newspaper dated June 19, 1910, with twine around its neck.
Senior Assistant Coroner Crispin Oliver announced the full inquest will take place on September 17, with experts including the lead detective, a forensic pathologist, and a radiocarbon dating doctor. The inquest aims to ascertain the baby's identity, the time and place of death, and the cause. Previous carbon dating suggested a death period between 1726 and 1812, but the investigating detective believes the baby died in 1910.
The baby was buried in Bishop Auckland Town Cemetery in April. The inquest will be held at Crook Coroner's Court.
