In the Middle Ages, the organs of monarchs were removed from their dead body and buried at different locations. The idea was that the royal personage could be present in death in as many places as possible – to be venerated by loyal subjects. And more importantly, increasing the totality of prayers for the royal soul to aid its passage into eternal paradise. Richard the Lionheart was one of many kings who had his heart mummified for exactly this reason.
Richard died after being shot by a crossbow while besieging a castle in France. His body was buried at Fontevraud Abbey near Saumur, with his father and mother. The heart went to Rouen while his entrails were interred at Châlus, near Limoges. Somehow, his heart was lost and only rediscovered at Rouen cathedral in the 1830s. Then in 2012, it was subject to scientific tests to confirm Richard died from an infection after being hit by a crossbow.
Richard’s heart was wrapped in linen and then sealed inside a lead box. This added another layer of protection and preservation. The use of specific plants and substances, like frankincense, likely carried symbolic meaning, connecting the king to the divine or suggesting a connection to Christ. Analysis revealed traces of myrtle, daisy, and mint, suggesting that the heart may have been stuffed with these plants, or that they were used in the embalming process.
Other medieval figures who had their heart removed and mummified included Robert the Bruce of Scotland, several popes, and Saint Laurence O’Toole (Lorcán Ua Tuathail in Gaelic), the second archbishop of Dublin, who died in 1180. I saw his heart in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin – picture I took below. In 2012, the heart was stolen by thieves but later abandoned in Phoenix Park amid claims they thought it was cursed. It’s now back in its proper resting place.
If you would like to know more about the Knights Templar, then get your hands on a copy of my book: The Knights Templar – History & Mystery. Published by Pen & Sword and available on Amazon, Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and WHSmith. Don’t miss out on your copy!
Your posts are Always a great read! I love living vicariously thru your travels! Gotta love the power of the Internet!
Thank you! I plan on some new travels soon!
An interesting post -thanks!
Reblogged this on Letters to the World and commented:
*fangirlish screaming*
History is full of tricks and turns. Please don’t underestimate it.