Archaeologists from the University of Leicester unearthed the remains of what seems to be a couple holding hands dated back to at least 700 years ago at a pilgrimage site in Leicestershire.

The two skeletons were discovered together with nine others by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) at the 'lost' Chapel of St. Morrell which was believed to be a pilgrimage site in Hallaton in the 14^th century.

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With the help of local volunteers, the archaeologists have been excavating the area two weeks a year for over four years and have discovered that the site is an area built on top of a Roman structure.

Aside from the couple who shared the same tomb for about seven centuries, symbolizing a love beyond death, other skeletons were uncovered. One is that of a man who had apparently been killed by a sharp object stabbed into his head, while another is that of a young male in a fetal position whose death specialists believe to have been caused by a disease.

More skeletons are believed to be buried in the area, making the Leicester scientists wonder why they were buried there.

"The main thing is why were they buried out up there? There is a perfectly good church in Hallaton. Was it a special place?" archaeologist Vicky Score stated.

The ULAS experts believe that the area may have been a place of pilgrimage during the 14^th century and has accommodated the remains of those who were not allowed to be buried at the main church - possibly because they were sinners, sick, or due to being outcasts in the community.

All eleven skeletons are believed to be from the same era, though Score clarified that their exact date and time of death is yet to be confirmed by further analysis.

Also, several silver coins were found at the site, all of which are believed to be dated back to the 11^th through 15^thcenturies.

The 'lost' chapel in Hallaton was last mentioned in a 1532 will which was recently found by local historian John Morrison.

TagsUniversity of Leicester, archaeoloogist, skeleton, couple, 700 years, leicester, lost chapel