A dramatic 12-foot sinkhole exposed a hidden 300-year-old stone crypt beneath the historic All Saints Church in Somerset, England, just one day before Remembrance Sunday. The sudden collapse of an 18th-century box tomb revealed an underground burial structure that had remained sealed for centuries. The event drew crowds of curious visitors prompting urgent safety measures from local authorities.
According to BBC News, the ground collapsed on Saturday, November 8, exposing a large stone crypt constructed from rare Ham stone limestone. The collapse was likely caused by gradual erosion, with years of rainfall weakening the soil beneath the tomb, explained Reverend Paul Fillery, who oversees the church in the Somerset town of Martock. "We'll only know for certain once surveyors complete their study," he added, noting the suddenness of the collapse that left what appeared to be a large sinkhole.
- Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs: The Richest Collection of Decorated Early Christian Tombs
- 300 Medieval Graves Unearthed Under Old Department Store in England
The 19th century tomb collapsed into an unknown 18th century crypt, in the cemetery of All Saints Church, Martock, Somerset, UK. (All Saints Church)
A Window Into 18th-Century Construction
The newly exposed structure is thought to date from the early 1700s and showcases exceptional stonework crafted from Ham stone, a distinctive limestone now quarried in only two active areas at Ham Hill in Somerset. The tomb itself bears no visible inscription and has been reduced to rubble, its original purpose and occupants remaining mysterious. "It's both fascinating and sobering," Rev Fillery told BBC News.
"The tomb gave way quite suddenly, leaving behind what looks like a large sinkhole."
All Saints Church itself stands as a testament to medieval craftsmanship, designated as a Grade I listed building with over seven centuries of history. The striking four-tiered tower, completed around 1505, symbolizes the region's architectural heritage. Historical records indicate the building underwent major rebuilding during the 15th and 16th centuries and was briefly occupied by Oliver Cromwell's soldiers following the 1645 Battle of Bridgwater during the English Civil War.
- Archaeologists Uncover Underground Church with Scenes of the Damned in Turkey
- The Underground World of the Hagia Sophia
All Saints' parish church, Martock, Somerset, where the tomb collapsed on Nov 10. (David Bown/CC BY 3.0)
Balancing Discovery with Safety
Since the discovery, streams of visitors have flocked to glimpse the opened crypt. "You don't often see something from the 1700s resurface like this," one onlooker told BBC News. "It's eerie but incredible." However, local officials urge caution, as the surrounding ground may remain unstable. The parish council, working closely with the Diocese of Bath and Wells, has cordoned off the site with safety barriers, emphasizing that "public safety and heritage preservation are our top priorities."
Archaeologists believe the collapse, while unfortunate, provides a rare opportunity to study burial practices and construction techniques from 18th-century England. Further excavation or restoration efforts are expected once the site is fully stabilized. As Rev Fillery reflected, "Every generation leaves something behind. This unexpected discovery reminds us how deeply history is layered beneath our feet—often waiting for the right moment to be revealed."
Top image: The collapse at All Saints Church in Bridgwater, Somerset revealed Ham stone walls of a 300-year-old underground crypt when an 18th-century tomb gave way, creating a 12-foot sinkhole. Source: All Saints Church via BBC
By Gary Manners
References
BBC News. 2024. Somerset church tomb collapse exposes 1700s stone crypt. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg4z6q44lyo
