In 1981, during excavations at the 12th-century St Bees Priory Church in Cumbria, England, archaeologists unearthed a wooden coffin wrapped in lead. Inside lay the remarkably well-preserved body of a man who had passed away over six centuries prior, around 1368. This discovery led to the identification of the individual as Anthony de Lucy, the 3rd Baron Lucy, descendant of the renowned Anthony de Lucy, 1st Baron Lucy, a prominent figure in history.

An autopsy conducted on St Bees Man revealed an extraordinary state of preservation – all organs were intact, with only the brain showing signs of deterioration. His body appeared as if he had recently deceased, not centuries ago. Astonishingly, liquid blood was found in his chest cavity, along with remnants of his last meal, believed to be a simple dish of porridge and raisins still in his stomach.

The impeccable preservation of St Bees Man was attributed to the lead sheet and pine resin-coated shrouds in which he was interred. The combination of these materials created an environment that inhibited bacterial growth, essential for decomposition. Dr. John Todd explained how the body’s tissues underwent hydrolysis, transforming them into fatty acids that preserved the tissues and prevented decay.

The cause of St Bees Man’s demise was determined to be a hemothorax, resulting from a broken rib piercing his lung, likely sustained during a battle. Notably, his jaw had also suffered two fractures, indicative of a violent incident. Following the autopsy, St Bees Man was laid to rest once more at his original burial site within the priory grounds.

In close proximity to St Bees Man, another skeleton was discovered, believed to be his sister Maud de Lucy. This finding added an intriguing familial connection to the remarkable preservation of these individuals, shedding light on their shared history and final resting place.

For those curious to glimpse the face of St Bees Man, further information and detailed photographs can be found in the comments section below. Additionally, a link to a comprehensive article on this fascinating discovery is provided for those interested in delving deeper into the story of St Bees Man and the mysteries surrounding his preservation.