The Skeleton Beneath the Well: Exeter’s Oldest Mystery?

As work begins on the restoration of the Royal Clarence, one of the building’s most captivating secrets is once again drawing attention! A skeleton resting in the cellar of the Old Well Tavern.

Tucked away beneath a stone stairwell, the remains lie beside what’s believed to be St Martin’s Well. The well is thought to date back to Norman times, though some suggest it could be even older, with Roman origins.

A Mystery with Many Theories

The skeleton’s identity remains uncertain, but that hasn’t stopped the stories from spreading over the decades. Some say the bones belonged to a victim of the Black Death, hastily buried near the well during one of the city’s many pandemics. Others believe the remains belong to an Anglo-Saxon teenager. There are even theories that the skeleton is a composite made up of both male and female bones.

What we do know is that the discovery has fascinated locals and visitors alike for nearly a century. And while we may never know exactly who this person was, their resting place beneath Exeter’s streets is a haunting reminder of just how many layers of history lie beneath our feet.

Preserving the Past as We Build the Future

At NooKo, we’re proud to honour the stories and structures that make Exeter so special. The skeleton, and the well beside it, are integral parts of the Old Well Tavern’s long legacy, and we’re committed to preserving them as part of our careful restoration.

As we bring the Royal Clarence back to life, we invite the community to share their own stories through our Royal Clarence Time Capsule. Whether it’s a memory of a special visit, a family connection, or your thoughts about the mystery of the skeleton itself, we’d love to hear from you.

Click here to submit your story.