Unearthed After 700 Years: The Mysterious Life-Size Stone Head of a Forgotten Medieval British King Revealed
Edward II was the fourth son of Edward I. Since all his brothers had died before him, he ascended as the only existing heir when his father died in 1307.
Edward II is known for the political upheaval that ensued when he granted unprecedented control to his favorite — and rumored lover — Piers Gaveston. Edward summoned Gaveston back from his father’s ordered exile and gave him the earldom of Cornwall, a title only bestowed on royalty.
Edward II’s actions ignited resistance from nobles who issued the “Ordinances” in an attempt to limit royal control of finance and appointments. The king also tried in vain to invade Scotland but was defeated by Robert the Bruce. He was later deposed in favor of his son, King Edward III, imprisoned, and executed.
Shaftesbury Abbey/BNPSThe stone head was uncovered during a six-week excavation at the site of the former nunnery.
The discovery of the royal stone head hints at a gallery of similar sculptures depicting the past king and queens of England. Furthermore, researchers believe that the row of royal statues may have offered a visually-attractive divider between the section of Shaftesbury that was public and the closed-off area reserved for members of the abbey.
“We think this statue formed part of a row of statues that formed a stone screen that separated the public part of the church,” Richards said.
But more than anything, Richards contends, the discovery of the life-size statue is a reminder of what was lost when the abbey was struck down centuries ago.
Post Comment