In 1981, archaeologists unearthed a fascinating discovery at the 12th-century St Bees Priory Church in Cumbria, England. Buried within a wooden coffin encased in lead, they found the remarkably well-preserved body of a medieval nobleman who had passed away over 600 years earlier. Known as “St Bees Man,” this individual was identified as Anthony de Lucy, the 3rd Baron Lucy.

The astonishment extended beyond the mere existence of St Bees Man; his body was so well-preserved that his eyes were still intact. An autopsy revealed that his organs, excluding the brain, were remarkably well-preserved. The body appeared as though it had only recently deceased, with even his last meal of possibly porridge and raisins still identifiable in his stomach.

The exceptional preservation of St Bees Man’s body was attributed to the lead sheath and pine resin-coated shrouds that enveloped him. The lead prevented moisture while the resin obstructed air, creating an environment hostile to decay-causing bacteria. Dr. John Todd elucidated that hydrolysis of neutral fats in the body tissues occurred under these conditions, converting them into fatty acids that crystallized in the tissues. These chemical alterations acidified and dehydrated the tissues, effectively inhibiting bacterial decay.

St Bees Man’s cause of death was determined to be a hemothorax resulting from a broken rib puncturing his lung, potentially sustained during battle. Notably, his jaw exhibited two fractures. Following the autopsy, St Bees Man was respectfully reinterred at his original resting place.

As a poignant addition to this discovery, an accompanying female skeleton, believed to be Maud de Lucy, St Bees Man’s sister, was also found. The archaeological find provides a unique glimpse into the lives and relationships of medieval nobility.

To view the countenance of St Bees Man and access further details on this remarkable find, please refer to the comment section for additional information and a link to an in-depth article along with more images.

The discovery of St Bees Man serves as a testament to the intricate preservation methods employed by our ancestors and offers a captivating insight into the life and demise of a medieval nobleman.