'Human remains' found at Rosslyn Chapel

Published on Tuesday 2 March 2010 08:49

CONSERVATIONISTS have discovered what are thought to be human remains at Rosslyn Chapel – the world-renowned religious site made famous by The Da Vinci Code.

The bones were discovered at the Midlothian chapel by workers carrying out conservation work.

A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders Police confirmed the discovery, but said it was not being treated as a crime.

The bones, which were found on 19 February, have now been removed from the site to be examined by archaeologists to discover their age, type and if they are human or animal. They were discovered under a slab while a new heating system was being installed inside the chapel. There is no record of a burial site in this particular area of the chapel.

Rosslyn Chapel has declined to comment on the discovery.

The chapel is in the midst of 13million conversation work which started in January 2009. It is to be completed in July this year.

Built in 1446, the chapel has long been linked with a role in the history of the Freemasons and the Knights Templar.

It has also been suggested as the burial place of the Holy Grail.

Following the release of Dan Brown's hit book The Da Vinci Code in 2003, the chapel was thrown into the worldwide spotlight. The work was then made into a film starring Tom Hanks, who filmed at the chapel for some scenes in the film. The Hollywood legend subsequently made a cash donation to the restoration and conservation of the chapel.