Funny you should ask. His body actually suffered one of those "tragical abominations" he mentioned. Although interred in the chancel of St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, the casket was accidentally broken open by workers digging the grave of another person in 1840. Apparently, the sexton of the church decided they had stumbled upon something valuable, so he removed the skull before the body was re-interred and sold it to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Museum. Attempts to get the hospital to relinquish the "precious relic" failed, but I don't know how that controversy stands currently.
That almost calls for a Monty Python skit, doesn't it? I see that link also resolves the issue of whether SIr Thomas ever got his head back. Thank you. I can sleep easier now.
I've read it first time, but I think I will read it again soon. There's so much in his stylistics that I enjoy.
I suppose Browne would be pleased that his writing has had such diuturnity. Was he buried in an urn?
Funny you should ask. His body actually suffered one of those "tragical abominations" he mentioned. Although interred in the chancel of St. Peter Mancroft Church, Norwich, the casket was accidentally broken open by workers digging the grave of another person in 1840. Apparently, the sexton of the church decided they had stumbled upon something valuable, so he removed the skull before the body was re-interred and sold it to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital Museum. Attempts to get the hospital to relinquish the "precious relic" failed, but I don't know how that controversy stands currently.
Interesting story. At this site, it states his knighthood was somewhat accidental! http://www.norwich-heritage.co.uk/monuments/Thomas%20Browne/Thomas_Browne.shtm
That almost calls for a Monty Python skit, doesn't it? I see that link also resolves the issue of whether SIr Thomas ever got his head back. Thank you. I can sleep easier now.
From this, I almost could imagine reading this essay myself. :)