Several Mummies Considered To Be National Treasures In Ireland Were Permanently Damaged After Vandals Broke Into Their Crypt
On June 11, 2024, vandals broke into a church in Dublin, Ireland, and committed arson, causing permanent destruction to several mummies stored in the crypt.
The break-in and arson attack took place at St. Michan’s Church. A total of five mummies, including an 800-year-old mummy known as the “Crusader,” suffered damage from the fire and the water that was used to put it out.
St. Michan’s Church is located in the historic suburb of Oxmantown, north of the River Liffey. Around 4:30 in the afternoon, a tour guide notified the Dublin Fire Brigade that the church was engulfed in flames. The firefighters managed to put out the fire successfully.
Afterward, a forensic investigation was conducted at the site. Church officials are concerned that some of the mummified remains in the crypt have been ruined beyond repair.
“The crypt is a crime scene, but I have just been given access to see the damage,” said Archdeacon David Pierpoint, the Vicar of St. Michan’s.
“The mummies are sitting in a foot of water. They need a very specific atmosphere, and I fear that at least two of the remains, including the Crusader, have been destroyed. I will contact the National Museum to see if anything can be saved.”
The man behind the vandalism was 38-year-old Christian Topiter, a part-time security guard. After the incident, he was arrested and charged with criminal damage in relation to the arson attack.
Unfortunately, it isn’t the first time vandals have targeted the mummies at St. Michan’s Church.
The church dates back to 1095 C.E. and is considered to be one of the most important historic sites in Ireland.
In 1996, vandals set fire to one of the church’s chambers, destroying a vault in the crypt. Only six of the 80 mummies housed there could be salvaged.
dudlajzov – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only
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In 2019, a 36-year-old man named Brian Bridgeman stole the mummified head of the Crusader and the skull of a 400-year-old mummified nun. Authorities got the stolen heads back after Bridgeman returned them.
He left the skulls in a bag on church property, and it was accompanied by a note that read, “Sorry RIP.”
Bridgeman was arrested for the theft and was given a 28-month jail sentence. He later admitted that he had been intoxicated when he broke into the church.
The latest case of vandalism is a major historic and financial loss for the church. Every year, the mummies attract many tourists, who contribute funds to the church during their visits. Without them, the church will suffer.
“We do not yet know what the future is for the mummies as the Archdeacon of Dublin, and I fear that they have been destroyed,” Archbishop Michael Jackson said.
“These mummies are a national treasure, and I am shocked at the sacrilege of the destruction of the remains of people who once lived.”
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