The Westminster Mummy - An Embalmed Corpse from Medieval London

[@RangersMavsCowboys]

You are a wealth of knowledge. Cheers from Las Vegas, NV. I stumbled upon your channel since the Queen’s funeral and have been hooked to your content. It is absolutely fascinating!

[@allanbarton]

Thank you Elliott, I am really pleased you enjoy it and glad you are hooked!!

[@dianetheisen8664]

Me; too, from Michigan, USA 🇺🇸 ❗️

[@jeffbaxter8770]

Me too. South Africa 🇿🇦

[@christopherdrekr1078]

@@jeffbaxter8770 😊

[@kevinchambers1101]

Me to from New Jersey, USA.

[@UrbanbyDesignWendy]

I have always been fascinated with the burial practices of medieval times as well! Thank you so much for all your information.

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure.

[@UrbanbyDesignWendy]

@@allanbarton I was just curious as to whether you have explored the Parish Church of St. Mary? Where the Spencer family are entombed.

[@allanbarton]

@@UrbanbyDesignWendy in Great Brington, no I have never been there - on my list. Apparently you can't get in the Spencer chapel, which is frustrating as the monuments are spectacular.

[@UrbanbyDesignWendy]

@@allanbarton They look incredible! So much history locked behind those rod-iron fences. I had read up on some of the histories and it indicated that in the end, they did not bury the Princess of Wales there. You have to wonder though as the fence only went up after her death I believe. I hope one day you get to see it. I would love to see you do a video on that and the history of the Spencer family. They seem very fascinating. You have a wonderful gift.

[@nancytestani1470]

Medieval History….Love It…

[@I-am-Veritas]

Absolutely fascinating Allan 😊 Thank You for sharing this bit of knowledge.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annettewillis2797]

Another fascinating and well presented and researched insight into the burial practices of medieval times. I also have been lucky enough to have found your channel since the Queen's funeral and am so glad I have! I really enjoy your presentations.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment - these things are really very fascinating.

[@schalkieheine1373]

😂

[@Boogledigs]

This was totally riveting. Thank you.

[@orlando1a1]

Thank you, Allan, for an enlightening and insightful video of a subject that, even at best, is hardly known. I leant something new today!

[@allanbarton]

That is super, I am glad you enjoyed it.

[@lisaferrara8120]

Fascinating. I enjoy how you present your material.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you very much!

[@will2Collett]

Trasure found!!! It's nice to see a story of of connections. Thanks Bishop William for being organized like this. Nice and pleasant story, THANKS Mr Allan Barton. 👍

[@jayargonauts]

If only one could travel back in time... unfortunately we cannot, however your excellent videos fill the void👌👌👌

[@allanbarton]

Thanks Jay.

[@dianetheisen8664]

Jay Argonauts: that would be a trip I'd love to join.

[@nancytestani1470]

Amazing. Love the music.

[@marierowe5969]

I love history ,your videos are wonderful .thankyou so much ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ceh5526]

I watched this twice, at least, just for the phrase "pledget of tow". Thank you

[@allanbarton]

Ha, ha - it did make me laugh that one. How to get that phrase into everyday conversation, I wonder?

[@engineerinnewyork]

@@allanbarton It's not easy, but I've already used the phrase twice this week, and it really impressed the ladies. By the way, I don't mean to be pedantic but I believe that "tow" is pronounced like "toe".

[@dianetheisen8664]

ER, what is tow exactly❓️

[@TinkerTaylor-zv1ml]

​@@dianetheisen8664the fibers used in making rope, usually hemp.

[@Awilliams1982]

Hello from Las Vegas, thank you for sharing your knowledge. Thank you for providing a space for people interested in embalming and preservation throughout time.

[@bethena1855]

Fascinating! I really enjoyed this.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you.

[@jennil7797]

All aspects of life (and death) of chemicals ages fascinate me. Laws and wars, not so much, except in that they too would have contributed to what happened to people as individuals. I just found your channel and enjoyed this. Can't wait to watch more.

[@jupite1888]

Excellent. Pity that we learn so much from past ancestors but we do not replace items we take out like the sceptre in this case with another or similar so we respect their wishes and l am not religious. Thanks Allan

[@Sweetlyfe]

I just found your channel and subbed straight away, love history and have lived in the UK before for 3 years in London and near Brighton. Back in Australia now. Thanks for your interesting work.

[@allanbarton]

My pleasure and thanks for your kind comment Jacques.

[@martinwarner1178]

I have now watched number two video of your work Mr Barton, and getting more interested. Super work Sir. Peace be unto you.

[@allanbarton]

Thank you Martin, I'm really glad you have found your way to the channel.

[@annfahy9089]

Ah nice to see the face behind the voice😊

[@allanbarton]

I am significantly less hairy than I was then!!!

[@loriwatters8661]

Love your knowledge could watch for hours!

[@Lisette777]

Damn, but you are good, dude! love all you video contributions. You rock! 😁

[@dianetheisen8664]

🎼🎵🎶

[@bessofhardwick9311]

Very interesting again. Thanks very much for making it.

[@patbowman6723]

Very interesting, I'm so glad I happened on this video. I will subscribe for sure. I got so much to catch up on and I can't wait.

[@stevedunn3113]

Another excellent video.

[@allanbarton]

Thanks Steve.

[@kristibbradshaw]

Great tutorial. Thank you.

[@jldisme]

Very interesting! Thanks, Allan.

[@Jo_Lori]

Thank you, Allan!

[@juanelorriaga2840]

Hello from NYCi just stumbled upon your channel and great stuff and I like you go into detail keep on busting out vids

[@allanbarton]

Thanks very much and welcome - glad you enjoyed what you've seen. Loads in my back catalogue and lots more to come.

[@deborahbrottmiller2948]

Fascinating-thank you

[@user-dh8ve4ti2x]

Loving all this information..thank you.

[@michealgillman7418]

Thanks Alan.. absolutely fascinating as always!

[@BeautifulBadandBizarre]

Once again fascinating! Thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Thank you, I am really glad you enjoyed it!

[@nadiabrook7871]

EXCELLENT video, Allan!! Where I live in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, we also have a chantry chapel!! I've been inside a few times for various events, and it's such a FASCINATING place!! Do you know how many chantry chapels are in the UK today?! 👍💚

[@allanbarton]

Is this the one on the Bridge? A wonderful thing. There are a few bridge chantries, there is another in Derby. A lot of parish churches originally had chantries, this refers to the type of foundation in which a priest was employed permanently to sing mass for the soul of the dead benefactor. These might be houses in freestanding building, separate chapels, but also just at an altar in an aisle. I should do a video sometime on what chantries are.

[@nadiabrook7871]

@@allanbarton Yes, it IS the one on the bridge!!

[@jeffbaxter8770]

Thank you so very much for one of the best & informative posts ever! South Africa 🇿🇦

[@ande100]

I just found You and your fascinating topics. You have a new subscriber!

[@happycommuter3523]

Love this. So fascinating!

[@teresat.6386]

Very interesting! Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@seannot-telling9806]

So what became of the body after they were done investigating it? Thanks for the interesting topic.

[@allanbarton]

It was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey.

[@jldrake3424]

Thanks, Allan.

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

Outstanding! Interesting, informative and well presented. Thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

@@allanbarton You are rapidly becoming a favorite...right along side Andrew Wallace Hadrill, Mary Beard, Joanne Fletcher and Tony Robinson. Bravo!

[@allanbarton]

@@christinewells-leddon9287 very esteemed company, I am honoured.

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

@@allanbarton You do excellent work. Keep it up!

[@Windowswatcher]

How very interesting. You didn't mention, however, if the body/remains had been preserved anywhere, or if they were reburied somewhere else.

[@allanbarton]

Yes they have Gill, they are now buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey.

[@gddecker]

I love your work! Thanks! I've been enjoying receiving your magazine here in Illinois in the U.S. for several months. Would you please tell me what your theme music is? Thanks!

[@bobbibuttons8730]

Loving your channel, I’m now binge watching as well as subscribing to your magazine. May I be pedantic, adipocere is pronounced adipoSere and not adipoChere. I do apologise.

[@beckyboo5097]

I love the track in the opening. I think it's called the old tower inn. I have listened to it 100 times over 😅 I'm kinda hooked on history now too, especially the war of the Roses 🌹

[@conemadam]

Wonderful!!!!

[@aquageraniablue6990]

I love the music.

[@pagalmasala]

Hello, Allan! Came across your video just now. Very interesting channel you have. Cheers from Fayetteville Arkansas..

[@allanbarton]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you're enjoying my channel!

[@paulparsons4003]

Very interesting and well-researched. Thank you

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@robertabray-enhus3198]

English history,particularly medieval history,is fascinating to me.I’m from the US,it’s such a “young”country, compared to Britain and Europe, who have thousands of years of history,in each country and continent. Our history,as a country is only 247 years old.

[@rodolfoayalajr.8589]

Thank you for this educational video. Allen.

[@peggybrem2848]

Happy to have found your channel! The content is interesting & different.👍

[@user-bg4xm6zl1m]

It is So pleasant to listen to you. The video is perfect. Just brilliant❤

[@allanbarton]

You are so kind, thank you.

[@michaelgoulding6609]

most burials where the coffin is kept in a vault or tomb etc, the body will prob dry up, & turn mummyfied, cos the thing that decomposes the body in a normal grave is water, the coffin fills up with water from the moment the grave is filled in, esp in the uk, where it rains for more than half of every year

[@allanbarton]

Yes, dry vault conditions help. Having buried a lot of people over the years I have buried quite a few in watery graves.

[@sinnombre-xs9ub]

Love the publications

[@allanbarton]

That's great to hear, thanks for watching!

[@carol.luna.stella]

Love your content and presentation, thanks!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!

[@timmarshall4881]

Great video content. Love and peace. Tim

[@allanbarton]

Thanks Tim.

[@dianetheisen8664]

Another interesting video 📹. Thanks.

[@deniseemond9263]

I so enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Justificus]

I've a curiosity about the destruction of the monasteries under Henry VIII, and what appears to be little or no concern about the crypts and the bodies therein. Some documentaries report famous pre-Tudor persons burials are lost forever. Perhaps, that would be an interesting video or "where are they now"?

[@denisesudd5318]

Most informative as usual thanks again

[@chococat9685]

so interesting! thanks

[@lindahouston5635]

Great video! I really enjoyed it ❤

[@allanbarton]

Thanks very much!

[@triciaford1957]

Excellent...Really 'up my street'

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊.

[@annamcnarin]

Very nicely told!

[@allanbarton]

Thank you kindly!

[@lillychevalierfox]

your videos are always so interesting

[@allanbarton]

Glad you like them!

[@mgcocasal]

Look at all those books!

[@tessat338]

Allan, you look about two decades younger than I assumed that your were!

[@allanbarton]

Ha, ha - now this is a dangerous game, as I don’t know how old you thought I was😂😂. I’m 46. This was filmed when I was two stone heavier and with rather more hair than I have now. 😂

[@Wosiewose]

Very interesting! What is the name of the piece of music you use at the beginning and end?

[@allanbarton]

The Old Tower Inn - it is lovely.

[@zettemueller4540]

The skeleton’s head looks like Mike Tyndall with his extremely twisted nose!!!!

[@stephenburns3678]

Thank you

[@eldrinod]

Very factual, I enjoyed it 👍🏻

[@allanbarton]

Much obliged, glad you liked it!

[@postscript67]

Very interesting. What did they do with the body after concluding their examination? Was it reburied in the chapel or elsewhere and was there any attempt to re-wrap it?

[@allanbarton]

It was reburied in the north cloister walk of Westminster Abbey - there is a black ledger stone marking to spot. I think he was buried as it still wrapped.

[@postscript67]

@@allanbarton Thank you.

[@hollyhumbyrd3362]

Thanks for asking this question....I was wondering the same thing!

[@princerupert6161]

The misunderstanding surrounding 'he that believes in me, though he be dead, yet shall he live' has nothing to do with resurrection of the physical body. Its about the immortality of the soul. So? The obsession with preserving the body is a waste of time. Once the soul has left, there is really no coming back. Better to be cremated unless you don't mind being dug up on 'Time team'?

[@allanbarton]

The purpose is not eternal preservation, but to ensure the body is preserved throughout the long funeral obsequies in which the body was the focus often for many weeks. Christianity has always taught that the body is important and not just a carcass or temporary vessel for the soul.

[@Svartalf14]

Is it really possible that a man of so common birth would have ended up in one of the very choicest places of the royal chapel? I'd have sworn some kind of royal blood would have been needed.

[@allanbarton]

It is really not unusual for churchmen, who were usually the only trusted servants of kings. In Westminster Abbey, John of Waltham, bishop of Salisbury (who was the son of a yeoman from Waltham in Lincolnshire) is buried under the floor of St Edward the Confessor's chapel - right next to king Edward I. In the case of Lyndwood, he founded a chapel in this place supporting additional priests - and as the founder would have had the right for burial here.

[@Svartalf14]

@@allanbarton Thanks

[@Svartalf14]

Wait, cerecloths were dipped in wax? was that the common way of shrouding the dead, or was it specifically a kind of shroud for the elite?

[@allanbarton]

This is elite treatment - most people were not preserved in this way.

[@Svartalf14]

@@allanbarton Thanks

[@jzc7368]

This situation seems rather strange. If the people at that time did not want to honor his rank, then why the episcopal crosier? If they wanted to honor his rank, why didn't put any corresponding liturgical vestments on?Naked burials sound like some distant exotic or oriental custom, seemingly unheard of in Christian funerals.🤔

[@allanbarton]

Completely normal in this period in most of Christian Europe, most people were buried naked in a shroud from 1400 onwards.

[@jzc7368]

@@allanbarton I have always thought that it was common practice for laity to be enshrined in baptismal white robes (and everyday attire) and for clergy in vestments corresponding to their rank. Through your introduction, I gained new knowledge about that era, thank you very much. I have another question: From many of your videos, I noticed that english churches usually do not have a apse(ἀψίς), and the altar is directly connected to the flat east wall. Is this a consistent British tradition? Is there any reason?

[@allanbarton]

@@jzc7368 the flat end to the altar (the chancel) began to replace the apse at the end of the 12th century when windows started to get larger. Altars stopped being freestanding about that time too. It seems to be primarily to ensure there was plenty of light in the miserable English climate.

[@IntelligentMrToad]

Where is the body now?

[@klhaldane]

I'm not as clear of hearing as I would like. Can you clarify for me if the body was in a wall cavity or under a floor?

[@allanbarton]

In a wall cavity below floor level.

[@klhaldane]

@@allanbarton Thank you, that probably contributed to my confusion.

[@uba51]

What did they do with his body after it was discovered?

[@JamesBoddie]

What happened to the body after this examination? Was it returned to the chamber in the wall?

[@allanbarton]

It was reburied in the cloister of Westminster Abbey.

[@barumite]

So where was he reburied?

[@celiaparker6166]

Isn't burial under a bench a little odd for a distinguished royal servant? Wouldn't you expect a tomb chest and effigy?

[@allanbarton]

Deeply odd, the building was so battered by use as the House of Commons that there may have been a monument that has been lost. There is no evidence of one and his will doesn't mention the commission of one. It has to be him though, the treatment of the body, crozier and location make it impossible to be anyone else. He is the only person known to have been buried in this space.

[@dorothysutton5162]

❤

[@mercoid]

Mummy

[@alyu1129]

Allan , how about dressing like a curator. It's called Branding man.

[@allanbarton]

Ha, ha- thank you but I might stick to being myself.

[@CaliWeHo]

Fascinating; thank you!

[@allanbarton]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kellyfinleybrown9313]

❤❤