Family lifted child over barrier at Essex priory museum, leading to coffin falling off stand, then left without reporting damageAn 800-year old coffin on display in a museum was damaged when a child was placed inside it to pose for a photograph. The ancient artefact, which is housed at Prittlewell Priory Museum in Southend, Essex, was accidentally knocked off its stand and broken after the child was lifted over a protective barrier. The family left the busy museum on 4 August without reporting the damage, leaving staff to discover it for themselves. “It’s a very important artefact and historically unique to us as we don’t have much archaeology from the priory,” said Reed. The coffin will now be completely enclosed so to prevent future damage while the curatorial team assess how best to carry out the repairs.

Source: The Guardian August 22, 2017 15:15 UTC