Rare 1823 Broadside – Discovery of Human Remains in Louth Marketplace
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Rare 1823 Broadside – Discovery of Human Remains in Louth Marketplace.
A scarce and evocative broadside dated 25 July 1823, describing the extraordinary discovery of fourteen coffins containing human remains beneath the marketplace in Louth, Lincolnshire. Workmen digging in the square broke into an underground chamber, where they uncovered coffins fashioned from hollowed-out tree trunks, carefully arranged in rows. When opened, many still contained skeletons, with traces of shrouds, hair, and clothing clinging to the remains.
The discovery caused a sensation in the town, attracting great crowds and the attention of antiquarians. Speculation abounded: some believed the burials to be those of medieval monks, while others argued they were of much earlier, possibly pre-Christian origin. The find was even reported to have aroused the interest of Sir Joseph Banks, emblematic of the growing antiquarian curiosity of the period.
Printed by Ostell of Nottingham, this is a rare survivor of a sensationalist broadside blending local history, archaeology, and morbid fascination. Such sensational “wonder” or “discovery” broadsides were printed for popular circulation, sold in town squares and taverns, and rarely survive. This example provides a vivid glimpse into 19th century antiquarian curiosity and public fascination with death and the past, and is of particular interest to collectors of Lincolnshire history, funerary archaeology, and popular ephemera.
Condition is good, commensurate with age. Some browning and creasing.
Measures 25.2cm x 18cm