Crowland Abbey guides believe they have found the grave of the 'forgotten abbot'

Has the grave of a long forgotten abbot at Crowland Abbey finally been found?

The 22nd Abbot Lord Thomas Welles (1246-1254) did not have the easiest of lives as he served the abbey but his name has been missed off many of the history books.

Crowland Abbey has been the focus of spiritual, social and political life in the fens for hundreds of years.

In a series of features we are looking back at many of the myths and legends which surround this stunning building thanks to the research of guide Lynne Seymour, who will be sharing these with visitors during an open day on September 10.

Thomas brought many benefits to the abbey during his time as sub-prior and later as Abbot.

Rights to land, buildings, a reservoir in the Dovesdale along with fishing (piscary) helped to enrich the abbey.

He also ensured that the abbey had rights to one of the most important factors in the medieval economy - wool.

Thomas ensured that the abbey was granted tithes - or a ‘ tax’ in which 10% of the crop would go to church. Tithes were secured for wool produced in Crowland and the neighbouring parishes.

But his greatest challenges were still to come.

Lynne has written in her collection of myths: “He endured many persecutions especially when, on his way to Rome on the abbey’s business, he was taken prisoner although with the intervention of higher powers he was eventually liberated.

“Following his death in 1254, many people reported being cured of sickness whilst visiting his tomb. After he had been buried for 12 years it was decided to move the body to a more becoming spot.

“When his tomb was opened it was found that his body was still clad in the priestly robes and entirely uncorrupted.

“The sepulcher reportedsuch a sweet smell that those standing nearby could hardly endure it.

“Whilst preparing the body for its second burial one of those present, desperate for a holy relic, tore off the little finger of Thomas’ right hand.

“The stealing of the relic did not prosper the thief though as he died prematurely.”

A number of history books have missed Thomas from the list of abotts.

Sadly his grave has also been lost -but guides at the abbey are hoping that they may have tracked it down.

Lynne said: “The body was transferred to a ‘prepared spot under a stone arch at the end of the north aisle’.”

Hidden in a far corner of the abbey, is a grave stone which is one of the few in the church.

Initially it was thought to be that of a woman due to the markings on the stone but this has sparked some debate among the guides.

Lynne said: “One of our guides has pointed out that we do have an unidentified medieval grave at the far end of north aisle under a stone arch which is the only intact piece of the church that remains.

“It was originally thought that this was the grave of a woman but the lady in the dress could very easily be a monk or an Abbot in robes.

“So have we found Thomas?”

As the abbey has stood for hundreds of years, it has become the final resting place for many people - including the legendary Anglo-Saxon rebel Hereward the Wake.

Hereward is thought to have been buried within the north transcept of the old abbey, as reported by William Stukeley.

Sadly no stone remains as many sarcophagus were sold off by noble families in the 17th and 18th centuries.

There are 151 Grade II listed gravestones within the north and western side of the church yard.

The oldest known grave stone within the church yard dates back to the 1680s and marks the burial of Frances Carrington.

Crowland Abbey will be holding an art exhibition and sale between July 23 and 26.

The Abbey’s flower festival will be held between August 26 and 29.

This will be followed by an open day on September 10 featuring myth and legend stories.

The Abbey is also looking for volunteers to work alongside the guides along with a host of other roles.

For more information visit the Abbey’s website.