Lincoln Cathedral, which continues to be regarded as one of the most important religious buildings in the UK, has stood for over 900 years, with building works commencing in 1072. The find, which pre-dates the edifice, comes following excavations as part of the National Lottery-funded Lincoln Cathedral Connected project, which includes the delivery of vital restoration and renovation works to the iconic structure, due to complete in 2022. In September 2019, archaeologists from Allen Archaeology Ltd uncovered more than 50 burials, including the remains of a medieval priest with “tools for the afterlife”.

But they also made one discovery that seemed out of place, a coin depicting the face of Edward the Confessor, the last king of the House of Wessex, who ruled from 1042 to 1066. 

Seasoned archaeologist Natasha Powers told Express.co.uk: “The coin is with conservation now, being cleaned so we can tell more about it.

“It came out of an area of disturbed ground, so it has a different date to the rest of the finds.

“But it’s important because it does show us information from before the cathedral was founded.

It’s important because it does show us information from before the cathedral was founded

Natasha Powers

“It showed us that people were using that area and adds weight to the idea that this area was occupied and used by important buildings all the way through Lincoln’s history.”

When Edward died in 1066, he was succeeded by Harold Godwinson, who was defeated and killed in the same year by the Normans under William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings.

The coin was minted between 1053 and 1056, and so pre-dates the building of the current cathedral.

Ms Powers said she was not surprised to make discoveries from different eras.

She added: “The area around Lincoln Cathedral has always been known to have a lot of very important archaeology in it.

“When the Cathedral Connected project was put together, the archaeology and what might be encountered was part of that project from the start.

“Lincoln Cathedral is important in its own right, but once upon a time, it was surrounded by Medieval buildings.

“It certainly has a Saxon predecessor and is built in an area of Lincoln where there’s a lot of Roman archaeology as well.

“We knew from the start there would be interesting archaeology finds from the building works around the cathedral.”

One of the many complete skeletons found is believed to be that of a medieval priest who had been buried in the area that is now the building’s West Parvis.

DONT MISS
End of the world: How archaeologist discovered ‘real Maayan doomsday’ [VIDEO]
Mayan DISCOVERY: How find in ancient city ‘reveals creation story’ [CLAIM]
Egypt: How ‘greatest archaeological find of all time’ stunned expert [REVEALED]

Ms Powers told Express.co.uk: “We’re still working on-site at the moment, we have a team still digging out bits and we haven’t done any of the post-excavation work for the burials yet.

“However, we did have this one burial that had a chalice and paten in its hand.

“Being buried with the tools used for communion is like being buried with the badge of your work.

“They were the work tools needed for the next life and a symbol of their job.

“That tells us that this was a priest, the skeleton – which I’ve only looked at while it was in the ground – but I can tell it was a man.”

Other exciting finds from the excavation include a hand from a statue that may be from a very early frieze and pieces of decorated walls from several periods of British history, including Roman and Tudor.

The discoveries are helping the team map what the site may have looked like over time, giving an insight into the area.

Ms Powers explained to Express.co.uk: “One of the really fascinating things will be joining the dots and seeing how the little sections of walls turn into building plans.

“The buildings are either earlier buildings of the cathedral itself, or the church before the cathedral.

“There is also evidence of Roman buildings and Tudor stable blocks as well.“We have beautifully painted Roman wall plaster, with flower patterns which is really good evidence the buildings were really high status.”

Some of the Roman wall plaster was painted with an intricate flowers and leaves design, while the rest features coloured bands. 

The team believes they have plaster from three different rooms, some of which may be able to be reconstructed in the near future.

The finds were made possible thanks to the National Lottery-funded Connection project, which works to protect and safeguard the cathedral for generations to come and create new spaces for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

The Reverend Canon, John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln, explained the importance of the work.

He said: “The Connected project is enabling us to not only protect and restore the cathedral but also to discover more about its history in terms of the buildings that stood here and the people who lived and worked here.

“We are always captivated by the many exciting objects that the archaeology team unearths during renovation works and the discovery of the priestly burial is significant. The finds really highlight the rich history of the religious site. 

“The cathedral remains open while these works are taking place, and we are looking forward to welcoming more people to the cathedral and the new visitor’s centre this summer, where they will be able to view many of the artefacts for themselves.”

Source: Read Full Article