View of the chancel before the restoration in 1876
In the 19th century the historian Thomas Babington Macaulay visited the chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula in the Tower of London and recorded his impressions in the first volume of The History of England from the Accession of James the Second published in December 1848.
He wrote,
‘I cannot refrain from expressing my disgust at the barbarous stupidity which has transformed this interesting little church into the likeness of a meeting house in a manufacturing town. In truth there is no sadder spot on earth than this little cemetery.’
It was perhaps this protest that awakened the desire to address the sorry state of the chapel and restore it to its original condition.
Continue reading here.
So much is still up in the air. What we really need is some DNA testing and carbon dating to identify the remains once and for all. There is too much speculation, and we just opt for which idea we think best. These souls deserve accurate fitting memorials and it would satisfy us enthusiasts too. Part of me thinks get the diggers back out and apply 21st century techniques and another part of me thinks these people have had enough unrest and to leave them in peace.
Indeed, these poor souls do deserve respect and to be at peace. But who is to say that their remains definitely and accurately being identified would not grant them that peace. It would be fascinating, and, yes, even comforting, in my opinion, to know for sure who is who.