A sinkhole collapse at an historic English churchyard revealed a 300-year-old family vault, prompting efforts to repair the site. The incident occurred at All Saints Church in Martock, Somerset, on November 8, during Remembrance Sunday services. The collapse exposed the underground vault, which was made of locally mined hamstone and contained the remains of Rev. Charles Lewis and his family. The church is now working to repair the tomb and the vault, with officials noting the structural failure was the cause, not rainfall or soil erosion. The restoration is expected to cost tens of thousands of pounds, with donations being accepted for the cause.
The vault, which was sealed once all were laid to rest, was later covered by an ornate box tomb as a ‘very grand gravestone.’ The remains of Rev. Charles Lewis and his wife, along with five other family members, were preserved undisturbed. Two children, one who died at age 6 and another as an infant, were also buried in the vault. Rev. Fillery emphasized that the incident, described as ‘incredibly rare,’ will require careful restoration to honor the family’s memory. The church plans to hold a brief service at the grave site after repairs are completed, to commend the family to God and ensure their peaceful rest.