Historic bones uncovered as chapel gets makeover
A collection of historic bones unearthed during renovations at a church in the diocese will soon be officially identified.
Work restoring the Manaton Chapel, part of St Sampson’s Church, South Hill, began in October last year – but things were paused when builders discovered vaults containing skeletons under the floor.
Judith Ayers, churchwarden and reader (also known as a Licensed Lay Minister), and Miranda Lawrance-Owen, project coordinator, thought they may find something during renovations but have uncovered a lot more than expected – initially three vaults with two and three quarter skeletons, and a selection of bones.
Judith said the human remains are believed to belong to members of the Manaton family buried in around the 18th century.
After obtaining the relevant legal permission (Faculty) and with permission from a living descendant, currently residing in Texas, skulls and part skulls have been sent to experts for facial reconstruction imagining.
DNA samples from the bones have been sent to The Francis Crick Institute, which is interested in collecting further ancient DNA from Cornwall.
Information from parish burial records and wills make the identities of those buried in the vaults fairly certain, but it is hoped DNA results will confirm a link with known living descendants.
“It has all been very exciting.”
Judith said: “It has all been very exciting.
“The builders came to move the concrete floor, probably laid in the 1950s or 60s with the archaeologist overseeing the work. As they uncovered the top bit, the archaeologist started to get excited and gradually the vaults were revealed.”
But that wasn’t all, a fourth vault was also discovered, days after a memorial service and concert was held when the original bones were laid back to rest.
Judith said: “The fourth vault had a slate covering. We put a camera down there and took a photograph. We could see on the picture a vault with ‘SM 1737’ studded in brass nails. Sampson Manaton, who died in 1737, was the last recorded burial at the chapel.
“It was exciting to know who this individual was.”
These discoveries meant plans for floor renovations could no longer include concrete flooring. Instead a suspended floor, with concrete plinths and supporting steel joist, will be installed over the voids where the vaults are.
It’s hoped an exhibition of findings can be created once Manaton Chapel work is complete.
Judith said: “We all feel really privileged to have seen the vaults and the contents. They were covered for 300 years and will now hopefully be left in peace for another 300 years.”
The full costs of all renovations at the church are now expected to be around £900,000.
Since the start of the project £750,000 has been raised from more than 100 grant applications, individual donations and fundraising.
Judith added: “We are using funds from many organisations including: National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Churches Trust, Cornish Historic Churches Trust, Historic England, Quick Wins from Truro Diocese, and many more including private funders.”
For more information about the renovations visit: Callington Cluster website here.
