The Great London Underbelly: How Many Plague Pits Are We Sitting On?
Ah, London. City of history, Big Ben, and overpriced fish and chips. But beneath the bustling streets and fancy museums lies a darker secret: a network of plague pits, mass graves from a time when death rode the wind on a sneezing rat. So, how many of these unsettling reminders of the past are lurking beneath our feet?
The answer, my friend, is delightfully uncertain. Archaeologists estimate there are at least 29 confirmed plague pits, scattered across the city like macabre Easter eggs. But here's the kicker: that's just the confirmed number. Many more "unconfirmed" pits are rumored to exist, whispers echoing from the mists of time. Think of it as a morbid game of London Bingo – every bump in the park, every dip in the road, could be a lurking plague pit!
The Great Plague Pit Bake-Off: A Historical Whodunnit
So, who gets the dubious honor of having the most plague pits? The Great Plague of London in 1665 is the usual suspect. With death carts roaming the streets collecting bodies like shopping carts overflowing with groceries, churchyards overflowed faster than you can say "bring out your dead!" This frantic period likely produced the most plague pits, some rumored to be the size of football fields (though with less cheering and considerably more plague).
But wait! The Black Death, that medieval party crasher of 1348, wasn't exactly a wallflower either. London wasn't spared its wrath, and evidence suggests plague pits were used then as well. So, the competition for "Most Plague Pits" is fierce!
Living with the Legacy: Are We All Just Renters in a Giant Graveyard?
Fear not, dear reader! While the idea of unknowingly living above a plague pit might be unsettling, most pits are well-buried and unlikely to pose a health hazard. In fact, unearthing them during construction projects can be a valuable source of information about London's grim past. Think of it as a history lesson...with a side of plague!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- How to avoid living on top of a plague pit? Unfortunately, there's no plague pit detector app (yet). But hey, that slight tremor in your floorboards could be a sign of a thriving underground community...or just bad plumbing.
- How to survive a zombie apocalypse caused by a disturbed plague pit? This is highly unlikely, but if it does happen, avoid head bites and stock up on canned goods.
- How to throw a fantastic plague pit-themed party? Decorate with skeletons (store-bought, please!), serve finger foods (avoid anything resembling eyeballs), and have a playlist full of moaning and groaning. Just be prepared for some confused neighbors.
- How to impress your friends with your knowledge of plague pits? Whip out this article at your next dinner party. Guaranteed to silence even the most enthusiastic small talker.
- How to get a good night's sleep knowing there might be plague pits under your bed? Focus on the positive – at least you're not sleeping with the fishes...er, plague victims.
