Cumbria: archaologists find grave of medieval abbot

Furness Abbey - Wiki images

A team of archaologists working on the ruins of Furness Abbey in Cumbria, have discovered the grave of a medieval Cistercian abbot. Channel Four News this evening reported that this is the first time under modern conditions that an abbot burial has been discovered.

English Heritage curator Susan Harrison said the grave includes the abbot's crozier, ring and fragments of material. She said he was about 40 - 50 years old, around 5' 7" tall, and had worn knee joints which could indicate that he spent much of his time kneeling.

Carbon 14 dating tests are now being carried out to determine when he died. Experts believe the grave could date back as early as the 12th century.

The grave was discovered by archaologists working on the site to stabilise the abbey ruins. English Heritage is putting the abbot's crosier and ring on display at Furness Abbey over the May Bank Holiday.

For more information see: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/furness-abbey/