Archaeology breakthrough as 300-year-old crypt uncovered after church tomb collapses

The dramatic cave-in created a cavity measuring twelve feet across, exposing the previously hidden underground chamber.

Local historians were left shocked after the ancient box tomb's structural failure has opened an unexpected window into the church's burial history.

The timing of the structural failure proved particularly challenging, occurring merely one day before the church's Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

Rev Paul Fillery explained that the 300-year-old burial structure had collapsed "quite suddenly" into what he described as a "large sinkhole".

He told the BBC: "We are working together with the parish council and taking expert advice from the diocese as to the best way forward.

"We will be sure that it is safely secured until all essential repairs are complete. Needless to say, it has already seen a lot of visitors come by to view the site."

Martock Parish Council, which oversees the churchyard's upkeep, responded swiftly by installing protective barriers around the hazardous area.

The council bears responsibility for maintaining the cemetery, which has reached full capacity.

Questions remain regarding potential damage to adjacent burial plots and the overall stability of the surrounding terrain.

The complete destruction of the tomb has rendered its memorial inscription illegible amongst the scattered stonework.

All Saints Church boasts an extensive architectural heritage, with its oldest sections originating in the 13th century.

The building underwent substantial reconstruction during the 15th and 16th centuries, creating the multi-period structure visible today.

Rev Fillery added they could sadly no longer read the inscription because the tomb had been reduced to a "pile of rubble".