In the porch of St Paul’s, Jarrow there is this stone carved object. If you are thinking, that’s a coffin, you’re right. It’s a shouldered coffin. And if you’re also wondering what that hole is for, perhaps, if you’re eating, look away before you read the answer.

All set? Food put away? Right, here goes. The hole is known as a fissure hole and it’s there to allow the liquid from the decaying body to drain away. I bet you’re glad now you weren’t eating when you you read this.