Dating a Waterlogged Coffin

Abstract

A Coffin found on a beach at Hayling Island, southern England was examined to determine the probable date of burial. The coffin, containing a skeleton, was found protruding from the upper middle shore. Pathological investigation disclosed identifiable brain tissue within the skull and the initial examination of the elm boards which formed the coffin disclosed inner zones with a remarkably fresh pinkish-brown appearance. The upper portions of the coffin were covered with marine growths which indicated that it had been exposed to the sea for at least nine months and probably for more than a year. The extensive Soft Rot attack of the upper parts of the coffin indicated prolonged waterlogging which was confirmed by the extent of deterioration of the nails and the spread of ‘nail sickness’. The absence of Basidiomycete attack suggested that the wood was waterlogged throughout the burial period. Saturated moisture content studies suggested that the wood had been waterlogged for between 56 and 172 years, but it can be suggested that the ‘new elm’ moisture contents were too low through kiln seasoning retaining cell contents which would be absent in new air seasoned elm. In addition, the moisture content of the coffin samples might be exaggerated by Soft Rot. Both these possible errors tend to reduce the probable period of waterlogging.

A reconstruction of the nails suggests that they were well made cut steel brads which were most likely to have been used in coffin making in England between 1840 and 1940. However, the boards were only about 15 mm. thick, unusually thin for a coffin constructed more than thirty years ago.

The most likely explanation is a burial during the First World War in a coffin constructed by a foreign carpenter, perhaps a prisoner. The fresh colour of the interior of the boards and the presence of brain tissue is probably explained by the anaerobic reducing conditions resulting from waterlogged burial in heavy clay.