Old Scarlett, the legendary gravigger of Peterborough Cathedral, lived a remarkable life steeped in history, pursued by spooky stories and immortal
If you visit Peterborough’s cathedral, you can come across the spooky portrait of “Old Scarlett”, a gravelist whose extraordinary life and lasting inheritance have made him a symbol of resilience and local folklore.
The life and work of the old Scarlett
Robert Scarlett, born in 1496, defended the chance of his time to live to the remarkable age of 98. Like the Govergdigger and Sexton of the cathedral for more than 50 years, he buried more than 600 individuals who served both ordinary and nobels.
His most famous funerals include two iconic queens.
In 1536 he brought Katherine from Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. In 1587 he buried Mary, Queen of Schots, after her execution in Fotheringhay Castle. Although Mary’s remains were later moved to Westminster Abbey, Scarlett’s connection with her funeral connects him with a crucial moment in British history.
Despite the ceremony of his profession, Scarlett was celebrated for his steadfastness and lifespan. His portrait in the cathedral, depicted with a long white beard, red jacket and funeral tools, is his unique role immortal.
Among them, a Latin breach honors his life and his service to the dead, including his role in burying two queens.
The Spirit of old Scarlett
Stories from Scarlett’s Ghost have been adopted for centuries. Witnesses claim to see an older man in a red jacket struggling on the cathedral site, while some report that they hear the sound of digging or muffled prayers at night. Or folklore or facts, these stories add a creepy dimension to his estate.
Local ghost hunters often visit the cathedral in search of the spectral presence of Scarlett, but his spirit seems to miss modern detection, leaving only hair -raising anecdotes. For many, his persistent spirit is a memory of the narrow connection between life and death.
Nowadays Old Scarlett is not only remembered as a grave, but as a local folk hero. His story, portrait and Epitaph have become essential stops for visitors to the Peterborough cathedral. He serves as a moving symbol of resilience, dedication and the historical role of gravel peculators such as Guardians of Memory.
The image of Scarlett with his shovel and Houweel underlines his intimate relationship with mortality. Much more than a worker, he witnessed history and, in some respects, a connection between humanity and the hereafter.
Oude Scarlett remains a cornerstone of the heritage of Peterborough. Whether it is a historical figure, a spooky presence or a folk legend, his memory will continue to exist. Visitors to the cathedral who pause before his portrait steps in a story of life, death and the mysteries that are outside.
So the next time you visit Peterborough CathedralTake a moment to think about the old Scarlett. Who knows? You may hear the vague scraping of a kick or feeling a persistent presence that transcends time.
Have you seen the spirit of old Scarlett? Tell us about it in the commentary section below!
