The Bone Chests

The Bone Chests by Cat Jarman is an enthralling historical journey that examines the turbulent process of England's formation through the lens of an extraordinary archaeological mystery. In a moment of fervent iconoclasm during the English Civil War, Parliamentarian forces launched an assault on Winchester Cathedral. As they shattered the edifice's ornate stained glass with ghastly impunity, they desecrated ancient burial chests, strewing the bones of long-dead monarchs, revered bishops, and a redoubtable queen across the sacred grounds. The clergy’s desperate effort to retrieve and reassemble these scattered remains marks the starting point for Jarman’s captivating narrative.

Leveraging both her expertise as a historian and insights gained from the latest advances in forensic archaeology, Jarman crafts a compelling tale that stretches over a millennium. Her meticulous research brings to light not only the identities of those whose bones were defiled but also the multifaceted story of those who sought to safeguard and preserve these relics for posterity. The reader is transported through time, experiencing the political, religious, and social upheavals that have shaped England.

The exploration within The Bone Chests is as much about the hidden secrets within these ancient bones as it is about the unfolding drama of the individuals involved in their saga. From medieval times to modern-day forensics, Jarman deftly reveals the layers of history, shedding light on a nation’s emergence through times of significance, heroism, and conflict. Her vivid prose captures both the broader historical narrative and the intimate human stories intertwined with these artefacts.

This is more than just a historical account; it is a dialogue between the past and present, a fascinating detective story, and a narrative that challenges our understanding of heritage and identity. The Bone Chests promises to be an intellectual feast for history enthusiasts and those intrigued by the mystery of our ancestral past.