Archaeologists believe they have uncovered the long lost tomb of Prussian Countess Julie von Voss, who lived a short but tragic life in 18th century Berlin.
Born in Buch, just outside of Berlin, in 1766, the countess was welcomed into a noble family, before going on to become the personal assistant of Queen Elizabeth Christine at the Prussian court in Schönhausen, aged just 17.
During her time as a lady in waiting, Julie caught the attention of Crown Prince Frederick William, who was already married at the time.
Several years later, with the consent of the queen, the pair went on to marry in a controversial morganatic union, which meant she would not adopt his rank or succession rights. Instead, she was given the title Countess of Ingerheim.
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Later that year, Julie had the first of two children, who was tragically born stillborn. Two years later, she gave birth to her second child, Gustav Adolf William, but tragedy struck once again when she died from tuberculosis shortly after her son was born, at the age of just 22.
It was believed Julie had been buried in a private crypt in Schlosskirche Buch, the church in which she was born, but as her grave was not marked or given a gravestone, it very quickly became lost, until earlier this month.
On 8 July, during renovations at the church, the late Countess' grave was discovered once again. Archaeologists found Julie in a well-preserved wooden coffin with gilded mouldings and neoclassical medallions, which at that time would've been reserved for people of high social standing.
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"The find is outstanding: the burial site provides us with valuable information on an extraordinary woman’s burial at the end of the 18th century," Dr Sebastian Heber, Department Head of Archaeological Heritage Preservation, told Archaeological News.
He went on to explain how the markings on the coffin and the location of the burial perfectly match historical records about Julie's final wishes.
A spokesperson from the State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments stated that although DNA analysis could verify the identity as Julie, the coffin remains untouched in order to protect the sanctity of the grave and preserve the delicate remains.
The rediscovery of the grave marks an important moment in Prussian royal history and Berlin State Monuments Office officials have confirmed it will be secured and preserved both during and after the renovations in the church take place.
Topics: Archaeology, History
Emma Rosemurgey