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River Wear Yields Rare Religious Hoard
1 May
Summary
- Rare Christian artifacts were found deliberately dumped in the River Wear.
- The hoard is linked to Michael Ramsey, former Archbishop of Canterbury.
- His wife's housekeeper secretly disposed of the items on her orders.
Archaeologist Gary Bankhead has revealed details of a significant hoard of rare religious artifacts discovered in the River Wear in Durham, England. These items, including a bronze crucifix, silver trowel, christening spoon, and various medals, are believed to have been deliberately dumped into the river.
The collection has been linked to Michael Ramsey, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1961 to 1974. Evidence suggests his wife, Joan Ramsey, instructed her housekeeper, Audrey Heaton, to dispose of the artifacts. Heaton’s diaries and recollections indicate she was tasked with secretly discarding the items, weighing them down in plastic bags.
Bankhead's research highlights that the objects were not scattered randomly but found in distinct clusters, suggesting a deliberate act of disposal. While the exact motive remains unclear, it is speculated the items could not be sold or given away. This finding adds to a historical pattern of people choosing rivers as a final resting place for religious objects, extending from the late-medieval period into the 20th century.
