Bones, Blood & Guts - Stories from the Burial Grounds of 19th Century London

In this video, join Kevin Hicks on a remarkable journey as he explores the intriguing world of the private burial grounds in 19th century London. Through grisly historical accounts and witness statements, discover how Londoners, from all walks of life, met their final resting place. This video uncovers the dark side of the burial business, where greed and corruption reigned supreme.
If you'd like to support the channel more and help us continue making fun, fascinating videos, please check out our PATREON page for perks. / thehistorysquad
OTHER LINKS:
Website: historysquad.ca
Facebook: / historysquad
Twitter: / history_hicks

[@adamwee382]

I like the suit.

[@robcanisto8635]

Our Kevin always looks sharp as possible.

[@debs_boho_jungle]

Es, thinking that as well. Very daper!

[@NoewerrATall]

Suits him!

[@KellyBurnett138]

He looks very handsome tbh

[@JeNn0mic0n]

@@NoewerrATall I see what you did there 😄

[@HoboBo94]

This channel is so underrated. You’re such a great story teller, i try to share your videos on reddit and facebook. Id have loved a history teacher like you

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you so much for sharing the videos, it really is appreciated!

[@GangusBong1]

True

[@laurentdevaux5617]

Who said Kevin's channel is underrated ? I agree, he's a fantastic story teller and I'm pretty sure he has quite a large number of fans, though surely not enough. And some, like me, are even not english native speakers, so don't be so pessimistic and enjoy !

[@monicacall7532]

I do too!

[@LouisLandry-by6nu]

​@@thehistorysquadpp

[@georgeoliverjones]

I told people for years that there was this guy that I saw once at Warwick castle who was the bowman and he was unreal shooting apples off a dummy’s head. I cannot believe that I have found you again. Mental throwback and I love it.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks George! I'm glad you found me, I appreciate you watching 👍🏻

[@ORDEROFTHEKNIGHTSTEMPLAR13]

Cool story..

[@Tetrohedracon]

Easily one of the best history channels on KZbin. Keep up the great work sir.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@HermicraftAddict]

I agree

[@stellagrau8871]

I have justo discovered your channel.I must Say it is very good.Watching You from Uruguay.Thanks for The info😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome 👍🏻@@stellagrau8871

[@chriscookesuffolk]

Kev you have a way of engaging the viewer as if you're sat on your grandfathers knee, or perhaps with the family gathered silently around the fire, listening to these macabre tales with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation. You are a master story teller. The history of these sites and their practices is fascinating, there does seem to be something compelling about grizzly means and methods of past times. As the old grandmothers saying goes, when reading the paper 'There's nothing like a good murder'. Thanks as always Kev, and a big cheer to the patrons who support the channel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Chris, you're very kind 👍🏻

[@steamboatmodel]

One of my uncles was a police constable for most of his life and he had some interesting stories about funnels, one of the best was a runaway coffin. The cemetery where the internment was to take place was quite hilly and the Hurrs was parked on a uphill slope. when they transferred the coffin to the trolly they did not quite get the brake set on it, as they were mooting the pallbearers to come forward the trolly started to roll, it rolled down the hill and crashed into a large gravestone. The coffin flew off the trolly and hit another gravestone and split open. To ever ones horror there were two bodies inside.

[@thehistorysquad]

😳 oh my goodness, two?

[@steamboatmodel]

@@thehistorysquad I was originally told the story when I was in High School, later when I was working as a Private Investigator I was given access to the police report , The funeral was for a nowhen member of the local Castriota, the second body was also known as a member from a rival group.

[@thehistorysquad]

@@steamboatmodel Ah, makes sense 👍🏻

[@yvonnelavery5279]

It's interment, internment is a completely different thing.

[@siocas]

Spelling please

[@hemaccabe4292]

One of the best private school layouts I have ever seen had an elementary school attached to a community center so the school and center could share facilities meaning everyone got better facilities at a bargain for the taxpayer. Attached to this pair was a nursing home. Nothing old folks seem to enjoy more than watching kids play. In turn, those elders of the community were available to share their wisdom and first hand experience of history with the kids. Not to mention a whole lot of endless patience, kindness and love. Worked great. Every school play was very well attended with an enthusiastic audience I can guarantee!

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, sounds a great idea 👍🏻

[@adamhenwood581]

Where is this? Curious

[@hemaccabe4292]

@@adamhenwood581 Omaha.

[@hemaccabe4292]

If I was buried someplace, and my spirit got to come up from time to time to observe the goings on, I don't think I would mind one bit if the land had become a playground and upon it were children playing in a healthy way and being happy. In fact, it would make me very happy as well.

[@keltaruusutravels4024]

I think it would be a lovely ending for my burial place to have flowers grow and children playing above me. Listening to their laughter into eternity.

[@hemaccabe4292]

@@BeeLZBeeb My entire life, one of my ambitions has been to buy a home near a cemetery. Has never worked out, but houses near cemeteries tend to be less expensive as a lot of folks are spooked out by being near a cemetery. For me, it would just be a bargain home near a bunch of lovely green space.

[@magicaltour1]

It’s strange to consider, but even cemeteries die in a fashion.

[@Mote.]

I walk in a big cemetery very often. It's peaceful.

[@ryand.3858]

Outstanding. I really like these macabre stories. The life expectancy in London for the poor was worse than in medieval times it would seem. Shocking the public tolerated these conditions for as long as they did. Imagine coming home from a hard days labor and a coffin with a corpse has been launched into your living room.

[@tomservo5347]

Here in the States we call cheap booze 'rotgut'. It's from medical colleges grave robbing and storing the corpses in casks of whiskey for preserving. The unwary boozer would drink this without knowing about the body and I can imagine making a face from the first swig and asking what in the world was in it. A drinking pal would probably say "You don't want that rotgut stuff!"

[@inconnu4961]

@@tomservo5347 Thank you! I use the word 'rotgut' semi-frequently, but never knew the backstory!

[@KakashiHatake-sv1vb]

@@tomservo5347 source?

[@tomservo5347]

Just look up the term 'rotgut' and the nefarious practices of medical colleges in the 1800's paying grave robbers for dissection cadavers from fresh graves. No refrigeration so a cask of whiskey or brandy (considered 'medicinal' in those days) served as a preservative. Horatio Nelson's body was placed in a cask of rum after Trafalgar.@@KakashiHatake-sv1vb

[@badkneesone]

Kevin, you are such a gem. This segment … gruesomely humorous. Thank you

[@margomaloney6016]

You are SO talented, Kevin! Your love of history and enthusiastic story-telling skills come through loud and clear in this video! Thank you SO much for sharing! 🥰

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thanks for watching Margo 👍🏻

[@figo3554]

Always fun to listen to more of the stories you tell.

[@ebmus9781]

I always know we're in for some gruesome stories when you wear your undertaker clothes! Another great video. Thanks Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@hanno3389]

Kevin, you're a national treasure!

[@dylanmonstrum1538]

I've just been introduce to this channel today... this is now the 10th video I've watched. I CANNOT get enough! You're so awesome. I just wish, wish, wish I had a teacher like you when I was at school. You show such enthusiasm, and it's so infectious! You could talk about the miracles of paint drying, and I'd be enthralled. I adore this channel! Thank you so much for what you do!!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Oh my goodness, thank you!! You're very kind, welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@fetidcreeper]

Love the macabre content you throw at us, Kevin. I still don't get why your channel hasn't exploded. I do appreciate that you give every video your best though, because you're definitely a man of character. Keep it up man, I'll keep watching.

[@thehistorysquad]

That's really kind of you, thanks.

[@dh2032]

give it time, you can't keep good channel down? and you now where there first, when it wasn't trendy 🙂

[@jchoward6451]

Another great story and video Kevin, thanks! I appreciate your engaging narrative as always, but this subject must have also taken a lot of research. Thanks for all you do! Cheers from the USA

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi there, that's so kind of you, thanks for the SUPER. I'm glad you enjoyed this one, macabre history is pretty fascinating 👍🏻

[@AbbyV1820]

My father in law and his brother when they were younger to make extra money would maintain the grounds at a local cemetery. So one day when they were mowing the lawns my father in law heard a terrific scream and found that his brother must have gone over fresh earth and fell into one of the graves. He said he couldn't stop laughing. As always, great storytelling Kevin. The way you flesh out a story is brilliant

[@thehistorysquad]

🤣 love it, great pun

[@keltaruusutravels4024]

I would have taken a photo of him stuck in the grave and send it to our friends and siblings first. Then I'd help him out. 😂😂😂

[@AbbyV1820]

There is no way he would have lived that down with photo proof lol

[@thearaucariafarmer556]

Always excited for your uploads, the grit, the weird tales, the fascinating human stories.

[@dougaldouglas8842]

Amen.

[@josejurado9644]

Yes I liked the story and yes, you threw the warning: absolutely gruesome stories that somehow we need to know in order to understand the evolution of life and death in a big city such as London. Thanks Kevin for your great research and your contagious enthusiasm.

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure 👍🏻

[@wlupusborealis]

It's my contention that you are a grounded, real-world historian, able to bring the past to life concretely, and the best storyteller I've ever heard speak on the interwaves. In that light, I'm awaiting with anticipation more history from you that is not shock-value or pain/death/trauma-oriented. I appreciate the latter, and think you've done it justice, but your powers can cover the full gamut.

[@kyralambert1340]

I absolutely love his accent and how he explains everything in complete detail, let alone gets into what he is telling the viewers. He always looks very nice and professional 😊

[@J-Sleepy]

Your video on Prince Hal's surgery has been stuck in my brain for what feels like years and years (it is older than a year, isn't it?). I'm glad I recently discovered your channel and all this other wonderful content you've made, but feel dumb I didn't look much sooner. Thanks for everything you do for history lovers, Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

It's my pleasure, I'm glad you've found it now. The Prince Hal's video was made more than 15 years ago for OCR, the examination board, so being the owner of it, I added it to the channel even though its old. We (Julie & I) resurrected the channel almost 2 years ago now 👍🏻

[@Exitlad27]

There's a church in London where the ground around the church is about four feet higher than the church floor, which was the original ground level, it's just a big pile of bodies basically. That's why cremation became more exeptable it's a much more dignified end than a lot of these bodies received.

[@metern]

Is it just me, or are Kevin's voice perfect for storytelling. It's so soothing to listen to. I would love to listen to ether audio books or podcasts if Kevin was the teller 🥰.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks! I'm looking into podcasts 👍🏻

[@puddysue]

You are an excellent storyteller, Kevin. Thank you for another great video. How horrific that these people would take such advantage of people in their weakest moments, in grief.

[@michaelwhite8031]

A friend of mine use to clear grave yards. He was clearing a church one day and he opened the tomb of a Napoleonic officer. Parts of his uniform and sword were still there. When he picked up the skull the musket ball that killed him was rattling around in it.

[@ds9642]

Haha come on now

[@michaelwhite8031]

Well you don't have to believe it.

[@ds9642]

@@michaelwhite8031 Not a word unfortunately. Fantastic imagination your ‘friend’ has though. Tell him I said hello .

[@JohnyG29]

Sure...

[@kevindoran9389]

That's pretty common, a lot of the ww1/ww2 bodies still have the bullets inside the scull if they were killed by headshots.

[@_fiend]

I love your history of England, as a new Englander I enjoy seeing where my history comes from.

[@petercalderwood2876]

The history of the cemetery in early America is also fascinating. What do we do with our dead? And why? Great story as always.

[@loricarter2394]

I absolutely love this channel, you’re just so entertaining and make history so interesting. As an American who has always been super interested in British history- it’s just an absolute pleasure to watch. Thanks so much for everything you’ve done for us! ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!

[@TheAtomicLich]

Looking sharp my friend

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 thanks 👍🏻

[@aleksandarmarkovic4992]

This is not only a grim part of human history but a very sad one as well

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Kevin: Nice addition to your ongoing Charnel Series. Thanks.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@sirflamedrop6165]

Yet another great video Kevin! Just about a week ago I was taking a stroll through one of my small town's local graveyards where my grandfather is buried, and I decided to walk past all the graves on the oldest side of the graveyard, reading the names dates, and epitaphs. I felt as if the mere act of me wondering about the lives of those people, and what they may have witnessed during their time, was somehow extending their presence on earth, or at the very least, extending their reach far into the future. Some of those graves certainly are so old, that they probably aren't even remembered by living descendants. I hope one day someone takes a minute by my grave, and wonders about me.

[@thehistorysquad]

What a lovely thought, I like wandering graveyards too - drives Julie mad 😜

[@opsoverseas]

Another great set of anecdotes Kevin, keep,them coming!

[@jonhelmer8591]

Hi Kevin, this is one of your best! Thank You

[@lewiscowden9731]

Another great video Kevin. Very informative as usual. 👌👌👌🤞🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@JamesWilliams-gp6ek]

You are such a delight. I love the stinking rich story.

[@user-go1tx2xh5e]

I just found your channel, and I am impressed with your presentation and your knowledge, I have subscribed, this is right up my alley, and you are amazing. The stories I know are true, wow how horrible

[@lisaconner7609]

Ahhh a new one , thank you Kevin, you are amazing!

[@Dstew57A]

Always fun to see and watch and video from the historysquad!

[@FranssensM]

Just found your channel. It’s really well presented. Some great facts and stories. You clearly have a passion for history and a skill for communicating your interest in history. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching & welcome 👍🏻

[@tbone5040]

My favorite history presenter,hands down.

[@thehistorysquad]

Yay! thanks 👍🏻

[@davebyrneable]

One of your best short films ever Kevin. The facts behind the history are fascinating. You should look into making some documentaries on the subject or publish a book. I for one would be very interested in reading more about facts behind burials and the way the dead were treated after the traditional funeral was finished and everyone had gone home.

[@tubefreakmuva]

Always full of knowledge! Love it

[@The_Truthinator]

I love this channel! So glad I found it. I love history and your delivery is awesome! Thanks so much! Sharing with my friends.

[@thehistorysquad]

Awesome, thank you, and thanks for sharing too! Welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@jeffwickermusic134]

I just discovered your channel, it is outstanding! I’ve been binge watching all day and I am fascinated with your stories. I love history! Thank you for all you do, it is greatly appreciated Sir! 😁👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Jeff & welcome!

[@Fred-rj3er]

Brilliant as always Kev.

[@user-pu6xt6el2m]

Brilliant information Kevin. The things that you don't know about History and then you find out. Really enjoyed this video! X ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks so much!

[@jenarutberg9323]

Ive just discovered this channel today and have binge watched several in a row. Bravo for the interesting historical tidbits and humanizing the past. History amongst other things is smelly and decidedly unpleasant,but everyone's relatives from the past suffered through something, and on an odd occasion had some joys even if fleeting. Back to my bingeing...

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, thanks for watching and your comment. Welcome to the channel 👍🏻

[@yelsyels]

Another informative video! You are a brilliant narrator! Love this channel. Learning more here than I did in school! ❤

[@davidstavrosonassis3649]

Knowledge is bliss. THANK YOU Sir, I had no idea about all this information. Very much apriciated!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure!

[@tansygilbert4095]

If you pull all-nighters because of your health this lovely man keeps my brain engaged and distracted by telling me lots and lots of things I have not thought about .Thankyou English man in Canada 🇨🇦 😊😊😊❤

[@mandibailey9104]

This channel is brilliant! Very well done. Sir, your suit is dashing! I have so many videos to catch up on.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks!! Enjoy 👍🏻

[@tonymeads4693]

Thanks, Kevin ! I think that everybody loves a bit of a gruesome story ! It is sad though that many graves disappear under grass or buildings with no reminder of who is beneath.

[@deadratto9608]

i've started watching this channel recently, probably within the last 2 weeks and i have not been able to keep my eyes, or ears, away!! and the comment section/community is absolutely amazing. kev, can i call ya kev? you really got something special here cudos!❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, deadratto, I love that handle! I'm glad you found the channel and are enjoying the content, cheers 👍🏻

[@lanatanacharms]

Incredible video! I recently found your channel and have loved watching your videos. You do a great job telling the stories you share. 🖤

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you like them! Welcome aboard 👍

[@moriarty6958]

Could listen to this guy all day

[@markscott9622]

"The stinking rich!" I love it! I learn so much good stuff from you!

[@dganim9196]

Great video Kevin. Always a weekly highlight. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

You're very welcome

[@heidikennedy9298]

Thanks for this brilliant content, who knew!!???!! , definitely an eye opener.❤️👍❤️

[@ambrosiaphillips7201]

You just scratch my macabre history itch, thank you

[@sharonbland9061]

Absolutely love The History Squad.

[@annawalker1750]

What an incredible episode-great research and fascinating topic. Thank you 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mercedesgutierrezgonzalez5235]

Hello Kevin, love your videos! They are real historical treasures and very Informative and formative. Thank you😊

[@thehistorysquad]

You're very welcome 👍🏻

[@CrispyCircuits]

I'm glad your research was able to get to the "bottom of it". Definitely a deeply and moving story. Very deeply, with lot's of moving.

[@thehistorysquad]

😂 I like what you did there 👍🏻

[@mayracecilia7424]

I found your channel a few days ago and I’m hook. You’re a great story teller.I’d love for the history channel to have this type of content on .

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome aboard!

[@sayrerowan734]

Best channel I've found in a while.

[@mumsow]

Fascinating...thank you most morbidly 💜

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@TheBrummie60]

Sir, you are a great orator. I could listen to you for hours. Just wish I had a history teacher as eloquent and charismatic as you at school. Brilliant!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Brum 👍🏻

[@PH_1964]

Such an amazing teacher. So engaging ❤

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

That blue eye peeking out of box is a nice touch. Love your stories.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 Glad you like them!

[@MichaelSmith-mc8bd]

Another fascinating video Kevin, please keep up the great work!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks, will do!

[@dougaldouglas8842]

About time we had more and more gentlemen like this, they that tell it as it is, and so well presented, professional.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks very much 👍🏻

[@dougaldouglas8842]

@@thehistorysquad You are so welcome.

[@timetoretire]

Oh Kevin! Being a nurse 42 yrs and still working i love that dry wit, how else does one keep going in those professions of the other side of life. We humans are one civilization on on top of the next. Fan in Cleveland, Ohio!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks for watching!!

[@donnahays1534]

Fascinating history. It's definitely a tough subject, and you did it very well. It is still a challenge to this day as to where and how to dispose of the dead.

[@alisonbrowning9620]

cremation

[@nikbull1258]

Just found your channel and have immediately subscribed. Great story telling Kevin.

[@thehistorysquad]

Excellent thank you & welcome aboard!

[@davidhepple]

The face looking out the box is a nice touch.

[@fredmarsy5876]

Fascinating stories, thank you

[@stacey8501]

Love this kind of creepy history! Appreciate the background bones, period outfit. Really sets the mood. Great storytelling as always!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers, thanks for listening

[@raylocke282]

The greatest channel Mr.Hicks.Very well researched and presented.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Ray 👍🏻

[@JBGOONERLIFE]

Absolutely wonderful videos always Kev

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers 👍🏻

[@transportbykdp]

This absolutely fascinates me .

[@joenormal4922]

Found this channel and binge watched I love history

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks & welcome 👍🏻

[@danielthomas7629]

The "hi!" at the start of your videos will never not make me smile!

[@thehistorysquad]

😃

[@GypsyHunter232UK]

Thank you Kev..

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

I love the extra effort you put into your costumes and backgrounds. ❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Thank you! 😊

[@marcboozman]

If there is anything more fascinating or intriguing than secret burial grounds and corrupt undertakers, I have yet to find it. Another great story. This is exactly what Tim Berners Lee had in mind, a knowledge engine. 👨‍🎓

[@matthewtucker1578]

Macabre, and full of gothic horror this was. Great explanations. Keep up the good work 👍

[@Photonicinduction]

I enjoyed that thank you, there is something about the smell of decomposition of bodies, it’s quite unique and unforgettable. I think I actually like the smell!

[@nilsalmquist9424]

Brilliant as always Kevin, thanks.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@oliverclothesoff5397]

I was watching this on my phone, when I turned the phone the long way to better enjoy my boy Kevin, I noticed the blue eyes dummy peering at me through the box behind him. Lol great stuff. Jumped me for a second. Thanks for sharing!

[@thehistorysquad]

Haha, just having a bit of fun 👍🏻

[@darrkinney1787]

Always excited to hear your stories. I learn more here than I did in school.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad to hear it! Thanks 👍

[@drummer.ibackhouse]

Superb. Just discovered you and am loving your channel! 👍👍

[@thehistorysquad]

Welcome aboard!

[@christinamangelo]

Kevin you are a wealth of information and really enjoy your history very much once one starts to watch your videos its very hard to not keep watching because it is so interesting thankyou for all your hard work although l think you really love it very much greetings from Australia.

[@thehistorysquad]

Ah you've got me pinned, I do love it. Thanks for watching 👍🏻

[@leanneknowles2290]

I really enjoyed this... thankyou

[@jeffwarren6906]

I am continually amazed at the meticulous research you put into your presentations . I really enjoy this channel . I am subscribed , and I always give a thumbs up Sir Jeff from the USA .

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Jeff, I really appreciate that 👍🏻

[@monitor1862]

The eyeball peeking out from the box is a nice touch!

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@tonyarthur578]

Thank you so much for sharing this very interesting history.👍🏻🇺🇸