Title: Ancient ‘Tetney Coffin’ Primed to Mesmerise at Lincoln Museum
A remarkable fragment of Lincolnshire’s antiquated heritage is expected to enthral visitors at the newly refurbished Lincoln Museum in the forthcoming year. The ‘Tetney Coffin’, a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age artefact sculpted from a hollowed-out oak tree, was unexpectedly unearthed at Tetney Golf Club in 2018 during pond enhancement works. This exceptional discovery, together with a rare axe found with the remains, has undergone precise conservation work, with funding from a £110,000 Historic England grant.
The coffin and the masterfully fashioned axe with its original wooden handle present an intriguing look into history. Specialists propose the axe was a mark of power, making it an exceptional relic of significant historical implications. An evaluation of flora and pollen residues within the coffin revealed that the man was interred on a bed of oak and yew branches, garnished with a floral wreath. This touching discovery depicts a solemn adieu in an environment once abundant in woodlands, salt, and marshes.
Natalie Oliver, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, conveyed her eagerness for the exhibition. She highlighted the archaeological relevance and impressive scale of the coffin. Its relocation to Lincoln Museum was a meticulously planned operation, with expert teams safeguarding the valuable relic’s safety. The museum, currently closed for refurbishment, will reopen in the coming year, premiering this astounding piece of Lincolnshire legacy for the first time. Ms Oliver offered her appreciation towards everyone involved, including the landowner, the University of Sheffield, Historic England, York Archaeology, and the committed museum team, for their commitment in protecting this historical gem.
This narrative was adapted from original reporting by www.bbc.com by The Lincoln Post.
