Monument record MDO19532 - Human burial at western end of Mary le Bow Chapel, Sherborne Abbey

In 1925 a stone coffin was discovered during the excavations connected with the erection of the Freemasons' War Memorial (1). The memorial screen was erected in the western arch of the Bow chapel and opened on 17th January 1927 (2).

The coffin was made 'of Ham Hill stone, it contained human bones, though sacrilegious hands had already removed clothes and anything else of value. Its measurements tallied better than its fellow and it is now believed to be the tomb of Aethelbert.' (1)

There is absolutely no evidence to corroborate the theory that this burial is that of Aethelbert.

<1> Gourlay, A B, 1951, A history of Sherborne School, p.4 footnote 4 (Monograph). SDO10232.

<2> Barnes, K H, 1999, The History of Dorset Freemasonry Revealed 1736-2000, p.227 (Unpublished document). SDO10280.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2024 1:08PM