In 1981, archaeologists excavating the ruins of St Bees Priory Church in Cumbria, England, uncovered an extraordinary find—a remarkably preserved body, believed to be that of Anthony de Lucy, 3rd Baron Lucy, a nobleman who died around 1368. Buried for over 600 years, his body remained astonishingly intact, earning him the nickname St Bees Man.

The Discovery

The body was found inside a wooden coffin wrapped in a lead sheet, an unusual combination that helped preserve it. The lead sheet prevented moisture from reaching the body, while pine resin-coated linen shrouds blocked air, creating an environment hostile to bacteria. This preservation was so effective that even St Bees Man’s eyes remained intact, a rare occurrence in archaeological finds of this age.

Autopsy Findings

An autopsy performed on the body revealed that many of the organs were still in remarkable condition, and liquid blood was found in his chest cavity. His last meal—possibly porridge with raisins—was still in his stomach. The analysis showed that St Bees Man likely died from a hemothorax, caused by a punctured lung following a broken rib, which may have occurred during battle. His jaw was also broken in two places, supporting the theory that he had sustained significant injuries before death.

Preservation Process

The preservation was due to a natural process described by Dr. John Todd, in which the body’s fats were converted into fatty acids, preserving the tissues. The acidification and dehydration of the tissues effectively killed the bacteria that would normally cause decay. This unique combination of conditions allowed the body to remain in a near-perfect state for centuries.

Who Was St Bees Man?

St Bees Man is believed to be Anthony de Lucy, 3rd Baron Lucy, a nobleman from the influential de Lucy family. He is not to be confused with his grandfather, Anthony de Lucy, 1st Baron Lucy, a well-known figure who fought at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Alongside the body of St Bees Man, a female skeleton was also found, believed to be his sister, Maud de Lucy.

Reburial and Legacy

After the autopsy and studies were completed, St Bees Man was reburied at the site where he was discovered. The discovery has provided incredible insight into medieval burial practices, preservation techniques, and the lives of the English nobility during the 14th century.

For those interested in seeing more, a reconstruction of St Bees Man’s face and further details can be found in articles dedicated to this fascinating archaeological find.