Burwell Church and an Old Freemasons Gravestone Tomb
St Michael’s Church at Burwell in Lincolnshire proved to be something special not only was there an ancient fragment of wall painting still extant inside but I also came across a tomb with most unusual carving decorating it.
Could it be the tomb of an eminent freemason ?
The church itself is made of greenstone and has been on the Redundant Churches List since 1981, whilst much restored over time many early features remain. I always look around the graveyards when I visit churches looking for things of interest and in this case was richly rewarded - take a look at the carving on the end of this tomb
Freemasonry Carved Stone Symbol
This was a four-sided tomb with an inscribed stone lid rather than a grave stone and at both ends the carving of this enigmatic skull appear.
The symbolism dates back to, in terms of the Memento Mori, to the Knights Templar and later on the Freemasons. Whilst I’m far from an expert on Freemasonry this really does smack of that heritage and their symbols.
Clearly it has to mean something, it’s not a generic symbol that somebody has picked from a stone carvers chart as it were - it must have been put on the tomb for a reason - it must mean, or suggest, something !
The elaborate nature of the tomb and its positioning, right next to the church, suggest the occupant was somebody of eminence.
Sadly, the inscription on the tome lid was badly worn so I don’t know who lies therein - somebody may well know though . . .
Can You Help ?
Saint Michael ~ Burwell Church Lincolnshire
The site was also the location of a small 12th century Benedictine Priory which was founded by John de Hay who endowed it with land.
So a site well and truly steeped in history and interest.
Notably also is the very early fragment of wall painting shown on the picture below. On the 12th century chancel arch is the fresco which shows clearly an ‘M’ with, note crown over M, royal connotations - possibly Maria. A rare and beautiful thing
12th Century Wall Painting
This was a particularly great church to visit and anybody who shares a similar interest could do a lot worse than visit themselves.
I am far from an expert, more an enthusiastic and knowledge hungry amateur, but I have now visited a lot of Churches in Lincolnshire and I have not seen a skull such as this craved at any church. Therefore I think it’s safe to say it’s a reasonably rare thing.
If you can shed any light on it, or whose tomb it is, please do leave a comment - even if it is just an opinion or if you have visited the church and know anything at all of its history.
We are keen to learn as much as possible about anything in connection with thsi church or the Benedictine Priory
Skull Grinningly Yours
Rod
chris keyworth said,
September 25, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
Hi Rod the scull is Quite common Mate there is one at Stallingborough as well but you will have to look for it , and it does mean somthing but i carnt for the life of me remember what, the painting on the wall looks similar to Matilda of Stephen and Matilda Fame, it is a Lombardic M under the Crown followed by a Lombardic Y directly beneath that there is also a letter it seems above the crown but i cant make that one out…
regards
chris
the dinosaur said,
September 25, 2009 @ 8:56 pm
Rod, intrigued by the wall painting I’ve done a quick bit of research and believe I have found a likely candidate for the queen bearing the letter “M”. Margaret of Navarre 1128-1183 Queen of Sicily, on the face of it the regent of a distant and minor state, following the death of her husband she ruled only until her son was old enough to become king, seems a strange image in a Lincolnshire church. There was in fact a strong alliance between Sicily and England as both were ruled by the Normans at the time, Sicily being at the heart of the Mediterranean whilst the crusades progressed would have been very strategically important, militarily, politically and religiously. Margaret was said to be one of the most influential figures in Europe, she gave her support to Thomas a Becket- Archbishop of Canterbury in his dispute with King Henry II of England and may have been celebrated by members of the clergy for that reason in particular. It may be coincidence but she also founded a Benedictine Abbey in her own country, the one at Burwell no doubt much smaller may have been inspired by or connect to it?
Rod said,
September 26, 2009 @ 8:29 am
Hi CHris
thanks for that, I’ll take a look at Stallingborough when next I’m near. Possibly age and wear means some have been lost to visibility - either way I keep looking for them and don’t see them.
Thanks for the Matilda tip - that now gives us two possibilities
Best
Rod
Rod said,
September 26, 2009 @ 8:32 am
Dino,
cracking research - now we have 3 possible names in the hat - excellent.
You’d be spellbound if you actually saw the walll painting - it’s an amazing feeling seeing soemthing so fragile and so old still there.
I suppose the ‘M’ could easily be somebody worldwide - perhaps related to, or connected to, the benefactor of the church etc.
Another historical mystery we’re trying to crack
Cheers
Rod
Rod said,
September 26, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
Chris,
I couldn’t resist and went this morning ! You’re costing me a fortune in petrol
After 3 painstaking trips searching the graveyard I was about to call it quits and then I found it - excellent - many thanks - I’ll be adding it to the site.
You’ve started yet another quest Chris - I’m on the hunt for any more skulls or skull and cross bones on Lincolnshire tombs or gravestones.
Thanks agin Chris
Rod
chris keyworth said,
September 26, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
i got told a few years ago that aparently there are two stone coffins built into the walls of little coates church still with occupants maybe you would like to check that one out one of these days….
regards
chris
Rod said,
September 26, 2009 @ 7:38 pm
Hi Chris,
there’s certainly a stone coffin lid mounted to the wall - I went there this afternoon and got some nice pics and info
Will post it all asap
Cheers
Rod