ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science
No Result
View All Result
ZME Science

Home → Science → Archaeology

Skeletons found in Leicestershire, holding hands after 700 years

Mihai AndreibyMihai Andrei
September 19, 2014
in Archaeology, History, News
A A
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterSubmit to Reddit
archaeology skeleton
The two skeletons had been holding hands for 700 years.

Some relationships last a lifetime – but some last even more than that. University of Leicester archaeologists uncover a trove of relics and remains at Chapel of St Morrell in Leicestershire, including two skeletons who have been holding hands underground for the past 700 years.

The archaeological excavations uncovered not only the couple, but also fragments of stone masonry, wall plaster, tiles and lead from the windows and a number of silver pennies, which hold good indication to when the chapel was still used.

archaeology leicestershire
Archaeologists working at the site.

Vicki Score, ULAS project manager, said:

“’We have seen similar skeletons before from Leicester where a couple has been buried together in a single grave. The main question we find ourselves asking is why were they buried up there? There is a perfectly good church in Hallaton. This leads us to wonder if the chapel could have served as some sort of special place of burial at the time.”

They now believe the place might have been a famous pilgrimage site at the time. A less romantic but just as possible explanation is that the couple was refused burial in the main church, because they were criminals, or sick, or did something to offend the church; the church was quite easy to offend in those days.

To make things even more interesting, at the bottom of the architecture, archaeologists found roman stones, which indicate that the site has had a religious significance for over 2000 years.

I’m also happy to report that the locals were quickly informed about the digging and the findings. The local schools were given a quick tour, and several hundred people visited the site in the past few days.

RelatedPosts

Human activity is chopping up the tree of life: we’re hacking off entire branches through extinction
Paralyzed Man Moved a Robotic Arm Using Only His Thoughts Thanks to AI. It Kept Working for Months
Antarctica records its hottest day in history
Tired of boring blue rooftops? Scientists make colorful solar panels with minimal loss in efficiency

Story and Image Source: University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

 

ShareTweetShare
Mihai Andrei

Mihai Andrei

Dr. Andrei Mihai is a geophysicist and founder of ZME Science. He has a Ph.D. in geophysics and archaeology and has completed courses from prestigious universities (with programs ranging from climate and astronomy to chemistry and geology). He is passionate about making research more accessible to everyone and communicating news and features to a broad audience.

Related Posts

News

Ancient ‘Zombie’ Fungus Trapped in Amber Shows Mind Control Began in the Age of the Dinosaurs

byMihai Andrei
8 minutes ago
News

Your browser lets websites track you even without cookies

byMihai Andrei
20 minutes ago
Archaeology

A Medieval Sword Sat Hidden in a Dutch River for 1,000 Years Until Construction Workers Found It

byTudor Tarita
3 hours ago
Archaeology

Scientists Just Proved Ancient Humans Were in North America 10,000 Years Earlier Than We Thought

byTudor Tarita
6 hours ago

Recent news

Ancient ‘Zombie’ Fungus Trapped in Amber Shows Mind Control Began in the Age of the Dinosaurs

June 30, 2025

Your browser lets websites track you even without cookies

June 30, 2025

A Medieval Sword Sat Hidden in a Dutch River for 1,000 Years Until Construction Workers Found It

June 30, 2025
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Editorial Policy
  • Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • How we review products
  • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Science News
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Space
  • Future
  • Features
    • Natural Sciences
    • Physics
      • Matter and Energy
      • Quantum Mechanics
      • Thermodynamics
    • Chemistry
      • Periodic Table
      • Applied Chemistry
      • Materials
      • Physical Chemistry
    • Biology
      • Anatomy
      • Biochemistry
      • Ecology
      • Genetics
      • Microbiology
      • Plants and Fungi
    • Geology and Paleontology
      • Planet Earth
      • Earth Dynamics
      • Rocks and Minerals
      • Volcanoes
      • Dinosaurs
      • Fossils
    • Animals
      • Mammals
      • Birds
      • Fish
      • Amphibians
      • Reptiles
      • Invertebrates
      • Pets
      • Conservation
      • Animal facts
    • Climate and Weather
      • Climate change
      • Weather and atmosphere
    • Health
      • Drugs
      • Diseases and Conditions
      • Human Body
      • Mind and Brain
      • Food and Nutrition
      • Wellness
    • History and Humanities
      • Anthropology
      • Archaeology
      • History
      • Economics
      • People
      • Sociology
    • Space & Astronomy
      • The Solar System
      • Sun
      • The Moon
      • Planets
      • Asteroids, meteors & comets
      • Astronomy
      • Astrophysics
      • Cosmology
      • Exoplanets & Alien Life
      • Spaceflight and Exploration
    • Technology
      • Computer Science & IT
      • Engineering
      • Inventions
      • Sustainability
      • Renewable Energy
      • Green Living
    • Culture
    • Resources
  • Videos
  • Reviews
  • About Us
    • About
    • The Team
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Editorial policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

© 2007-2025 ZME Science - Not exactly rocket science. All Rights Reserved.