Cremation urns' dusty bones tell tale of death in Roman London

Experts study remains dug up in 19th century for first time ahead of Museum of London Docklands exhibition

A puff of dust almost 2,000 years old rose as archaeologist Jackie Keily gently tipped a wastepaper bin-sized lead container, and a pile of cremated Roman remains slid out towards bones expert Rebecca Redfern.

"Oh wonderful, look!" Redfern said, pouncing on a bone with the excitement of a treasure hunter. "A toe! Look how white that bone is - really excellent cremation technique."