Archaeologists in the German town of Eschwege have uncovered the remains of a medieval church and a surprising burial site beneath a former parking lot. The discovery, made during redevelopment work near the Nikolaiturm, includes massive limestone foundations and the skeletal remains of at least 30 children, buried just outside the church walls.
The excavation revealed the foundations of St. Godehard Church, a large medieval structure that once stood in the city centre. The church was first mentioned in 1340 and was likely built over earlier religious structures. Following the Reformation, it fell into disuse and was dismantled in the late 16th century, leaving only its tower standing. The rest of its stone was repurposed elsewhere in Eschwege.
“Such stones were quite expensive in the Middle Ages. They must have been brought here over the water with some effort,” explained archaeologist Anja Rutter, who leads the excavation for Hessen Archaeology. “Someone spent a lot of money on this. This is a well-built and solid church.”
Among the most poignant finds are the remains of infants and young children buried near the chancel of the former church—but not within its consecrated interior. The positioning of these graves suggests the children were “eaves burials,” placed deliberately where rainwater from the church roof could drip onto them.
“The closer you bury the dead to the altar area, the greater the chances that the responsible saint will come to his church on Judgement Day and collect the souls at the same time,” said Rutter. She noted that the belief in the sanctifying power of the dripping water may have offered comfort to grieving parents, especially for children who died before baptism.
The remains include several infants, with some burials showing legs spread apart, possibly indicating they were wrapped in cloth or swaddling at the time of burial. “That’s really a bit sad. Someone really cried about them 400 years ago,” Rutter remarked.
The excavation has sparked local interest, with many Eschwege residents eager to learn more about their town’s medieval past. However, not all reactions have been positive. Some residents expressed frustration at the loss of parking spaces, particularly older individuals who rely on easy access to the city center.
Despite initial resistance, the archaeologists have since received a warm reception from many locals. “Now we have experienced super interested people who also give us information. People who say: It’s great that we can finally look into the ground,” Rutter shared.
A Last Look Before the Site is Covered Again
The excavation will remain open for a short time before redevelopment work resumes. In early April, Hessen Archaeology plans to host an open excavation day, allowing the public a final opportunity to see the medieval church and burial site before the area is transformed into a landscaped square. The new design will incorporate historical elements, with markers and displays ensuring that the memory of St. Godehard Church—and the children buried there—is not forgotten.
Archaeologists in the German town of Eschwege have uncovered the remains of a medieval church and a surprising burial site beneath a former parking lot. The discovery, made during redevelopment work near the Nikolaiturm, includes massive limestone foundations and the skeletal remains of at least 30 children, buried just outside the church walls.
Traces of St. Godehard Church
The excavation revealed the foundations of St. Godehard Church, a large medieval structure that once stood in the city centre. The church was first mentioned in 1340 and was likely built over earlier religious structures. Following the Reformation, it fell into disuse and was dismantled in the late 16th century, leaving only its tower standing. The rest of its stone was repurposed elsewhere in Eschwege.
“Such stones were quite expensive in the Middle Ages. They must have been brought here over the water with some effort,” explained archaeologist Anja Rutter, who leads the excavation for Hessen Archaeology. “Someone spent a lot of money on this. This is a well-built and solid church.”
The Mysterious Burials of Children
Among the most poignant finds are the remains of infants and young children buried near the chancel of the former church—but not within its consecrated interior. The positioning of these graves suggests the children were “eaves burials,” placed deliberately where rainwater from the church roof could drip onto them.
“The closer you bury the dead to the altar area, the greater the chances that the responsible saint will come to his church on Judgement Day and collect the souls at the same time,” said Rutter. She noted that the belief in the sanctifying power of the dripping water may have offered comfort to grieving parents, especially for children who died before baptism.
The remains include several infants, with some burials showing legs spread apart, possibly indicating they were wrapped in cloth or swaddling at the time of burial. “That’s really a bit sad. Someone really cried about them 400 years ago,” Rutter remarked.
Preserving the Past
The excavation has sparked local interest, with many Eschwege residents eager to learn more about their town’s medieval past. However, not all reactions have been positive. Some residents expressed frustration at the loss of parking spaces, particularly older individuals who rely on easy access to the city center.
Despite initial resistance, the archaeologists have since received a warm reception from many locals. “Now we have experienced super interested people who also give us information. People who say: It’s great that we can finally look into the ground,” Rutter shared.
A Last Look Before the Site is Covered Again
The excavation will remain open for a short time before redevelopment work resumes. In early April, Hessen Archaeology plans to host an open excavation day, allowing the public a final opportunity to see the medieval church and burial site before the area is transformed into a landscaped square. The new design will incorporate historical elements, with markers and displays ensuring that the memory of St. Godehard Church—and the children buried there—is not forgotten.
Top Image: Several centuries-old children’s skeletons were found at the excavation site. Image © Thomas Kurella/hr
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