Welcome to another instalment of my blog.
Now, if 'Death', 'Coffin' and 'Grave' are three of your favourite words, you simply MUST read on...!
Here is the captivating story behind this rare survivor...
In April 1821, labourers in the coastal town of Bridlington, Yorkshire, were trenching the earth to prepare the ground for new burials. Deep beneath the soil, their spades struck a forgotten vault. They had uncovered the coffin of Robin Baystwyk, the 25th Prior of Bridlington Priory, who passed away in 1493.
What elevates this artefact from a simple antiquity to a documented historical treasure is the incredibly preserved, handwritten letter of provenance physically attached to the piece. Written just one year after the excavation, the document reads:
”Bridlington 1822Fragment of cloth taken from the coffin of Robin Baystwyk, 25th prior of Bridlington, who died in 1493, and whose coffin was discovered in April 1821, during the process of trenching the ground, for the purpose of interment. The fragment was given to Mr Gilchrist by J. Thompson, of Bridlington by whom it was taken from the coffin.”
This letter provides an unbroken, named chain of custody from the very man who retrieved it from the coffin (J. Thompson) to its early 19th century keeper (Mr. Gilchrist).
Incredibly, during my research, I discovered local history records that revealed fascinating context that perfectly matches the timeline and events described in this letter of 1822. It read as follows:
“ Another stone, now preserved in the vestry, bears the following inscription in old church text : - Hic jacet dns Robt. brystwyk quo da prior huj loci q obiit - 0 0 ano do m cccc nonagesimo iii cui aic ppiciet. de. Amen, which may be thus translated :- Here lies Robert Brystwyk formerly prior of this place, who died in the year of our Lord 1493; on whose soul may God have mercy. Amen. This stone was discovered in 1821, a little south of the church, where the transept had stood. Some workmen were employed digging up the foundations, and brought to light a stone coffin, covered by the above chalk-stone slab. The coffin contained the remains of the prior; the hair of the beard and the serge in which the body had been wrapped were still undecayed.”
(you can find this information HERE)
This contemporary account confirms the 1821 discovery of the prior's stone coffin, the 1493 date, and the remarkable state of preservation, including the serge (a type of cloth) wrapping the body, all aligning perfectly with the 1822 provenance letter.
The site of this discovery, Bridlington Priory, was once among the largest and richest Augustinian houses in Northern England, rivalling great institutions like Selby Abbey. Though much of the medieval structure was lost, the remaining priory stands as a testament to its pre-Reformation significance.
A remarkable find and very much a favourite!
This item is now available to purchase HERE
Cheerio!
Stephen
Owner Folk & Fable Antiques
Shop from the Folk & Fable collection HERE