Peace at last for medieval remains

Developer, Simon Wright Homes, has welcomed the news that the Reverend Andy Harding will be giving a Christian burial to the teenage girl whose 700 year old remains were found on its site, Spires in Hoo St Werburgh, Kent, two years ago.

The skeleton was found by Faversham based archaeologist, Dr Paul Wilkinson, and is thought to be from the 14th or 15th century. When the remains were found, the girl’s skull had been removed from its body and placed carefully beside it, meaning she may have either committed suicide or was suspected of being a witch or criminal, and decapitated.

The Rev Andy Harding has asked for the body, which is currently being held at the University of Kent, to be returned so she can be re-buried in the church grounds, a request which Simon Wright Homes was only too happy to oblige. Simon Wright, Chief Executive, said: “Site excavations are an obligation of building a new development, but such discoveries are pretty unusual, so we were stunned when the remains were found. Evidence suggests that she suffered a pretty gruesome death, so we are pleased that the Reverend will be giving her the funeral that she was denied at the time.”

The Rev Andy Harding, added: "We believe she was an executed criminal and so came to an horrific end. We just want to give her a funeral so that she can rest in peace. She obviously came from Hoo so she will probably be buried close to the rest of her family. The funeral will be held at noon on Saturday, 14 March, and we welcome members of the public.”

Spires is a private, gated development comprising a total of just 25 new homes in a peaceful village setting, next to Hoo St Werburgh Parish Church. The development has been extremely popular with a wide range of buyers. Only four properties remain for sale including the show home, a four bedroom house priced at £229,950 including carpets, curtains and light fittings, and three larger four-bedroom properties priced from £320,000. The sales office is open Friday to Monday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. For further information or to register your interest, visit Simonwrighthomes.co.uk.