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Stapleford Tawney - 12th C. Stone Coffin

During the 1862 restoration of the church, two 12th century stone coffins were found - one under the nave, the other under the new vestry. Wooden coffins are a relatively recent convention. The gently coped stone lid has two carvings of a cross-like symbol, but they may also be symbols denoting the person's rank or profession. Poorer members of the community were not buried in coffins. Their bodies were wrapped in a cloth shroud and placed in a communal grave.
Stapleford Tawney - 12th C. Stone Coffin