SKELETON IN A CELL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 148, 25 June 1931, Page 5

SKELETON IN A CELL

While carrying out restoration work at the J2th century parish church of St. Mary Magdalen in East Ham. London, workmen discovered an aucaorite’s cell, and under it the skeleton ot a man in a remarkable state of preservation. “Tho skeleton is presumably that of the anchorite himself,** said the vicar, the Rev. M. O. Hodson. “ It was tho custom for anchorites to be buried in their cells. He probably lived here between the years 1230 and 1250. Tho cell was mado of wattle, daub, and stones, and there are indications that it had once been burned. “A staiivase, probably in use in Norman times, was unearthed in the north wall. When the ceiling of the apse, which dates from 1630, was removed, a wonderful roof about 800 years old, and coeval with tho building, was revealed. The roof is made of oak, and is supported by a very slender king post. This is probably unique. The wood has the beautiful silver gaining seen on every old oak. ,J