17th Century Family Found In Tomb

The remains of entire family were found inside a perfectly preserved 17th century tomb inside Gloucester Cathedral.

16:23 04 November 2015

Archaeologists "accidentally" discovered a perfectly-preserved tomb from the 17th century containing the remains of an entire FAMILY inside Gloucester Cathedral. The 8ft-deep burial vault was discovered when the archaeologists moved a ledger stone while evaluating the site before a new lift is installed. It contained coffins belonging to the Hyett family and includes the body of a nine-month-old baby girl. The coffins were marked clearly with name plaques.

 

The Reverend Canon Celia Thomson said the discovery of the vault was "really exciting for the cathedral" and that the child's coffin was "particularly poignant".

 

She said: "It is very exciting.

 

"We have discovered some very poignant coffins in this vault, belonging to a particular family who have stayed in contact with the cathedral.

 

"You can just imagine the grief of the parents at that stage.

 

"It brings history to life."

 

According to heritage records, Benjamin Hyett was born on March 30 1651 in Dursley, Glos. and married Elizabeth Morwent in 1674, when she was 21.

 

Elizabeth passed away in 1708, aged 55, and Benjamin died three years later, aged 62.