When was it published?

September 10, 1789 in The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Story September 10, 1789

The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

Q: What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event, Extraordinary Event, Curiosity

Q: What entities or persons were involved?

Edward Iv, Sir Joseph Banks, Dr. Herschel, Lord Mornington

Q: What themes does it cover?

Fate Providence, Triumph, Recovery

Q: What keywords are associated?

Edward Iv, Coffin Discovery, Windsor Chapel, Royal Remains, Preservation Liquid, Sir Joseph Banks

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

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What is this article about?

Workmen repairing St. George's Chapel in Windsor discovered the intact coffin of King Edward IV, preserved in a liquid, during pavement repairs. Sir Joseph Banks and others examined it, and he took liquor samples for Royal Society analysis. The king died April 9, 1483.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

On Friday last the workmen employed in repairing St. George's Chapel, Windsor, observing the pavement in one part to be sunk, took up some of the stones, when a fracture in one arch appeared. On this they proceeded to dig, and soon after discovered a coffin, which, from the carved trophies upon it, proved to contain the Royal remains of Edward IV.

Sir Joseph Banks, Dr. Herschel, and Lord Mornington, the several Canons of Windsor, and other gentlemen, were present, when the lid of the coffin was lifted. The body of the Monarch appeared entire: the lineaments of his face very distinguishable; and the dress, which consisted in part of very fine lace, not apparently decayed. That the Royal corpse appeared thus perfect, is to be attributed to a liquid preparation, in which it was immersed. Sir Joseph Banks brought away part of this liquor in order to have it analyzed before the members of the Royal Society.

The historians of the times relate, that Edward died of an ague at Westminster, April 9, 1483; and was buried at Windsor: But all enquiries after the Royal tomb appeared ineffectual; 'till the present discovery.

What sub-type of article is it?

Historical Event Extraordinary Event Curiosity

What themes does it cover?

Fate Providence Triumph Recovery

What keywords are associated?

Edward Iv Coffin Discovery Windsor Chapel Royal Remains Preservation Liquid Sir Joseph Banks

What entities or persons were involved?

Edward Iv Sir Joseph Banks Dr. Herschel Lord Mornington

Where did it happen?

St. George's Chapel, Windsor

Story Details

Key Persons

Edward Iv Sir Joseph Banks Dr. Herschel Lord Mornington

Location

St. George's Chapel, Windsor

Event Date

Friday Last; Death April 9, 1483

Story Details

Workmen digging under sunk pavement during chapel repairs uncover Edward IV's coffin with intact, preserved body immersed in liquid. Present gentlemen including Sir Joseph Banks examine it; Banks takes liquor for analysis. Historians note king's 1483 death and prior failed tomb searches.