12th century abbot's grave

Remains were found beneath the ruins of Furness Abbey when emergency repairs were made to the abbey at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. Cracks appeared in the ‘mouldered walls.’ They were caused by medieval wooden foundations rotting away. Structural engineers found an unknown grave. Medieval jewellery and a silver and gilt crozier, a senior abbot’s staff of office was found.

Furness Abbey is a former Catholic monastery that dates back to 1123 and was once the second-wealthiest and most powerful Cistercian monastery in the UK. Whoever was buried here had been placed in the presbytery – the most prestigious position in the abbey, usually reserved for those held in greatest esteem.