A significant archaeological discovery has emerged in Darlington, England, where a large burial vault belonging to prominent Quakers Jonathan and Hannah Backhouse has been uncovered beneath their shared headstone. The vault, located in the graveyard off Skinnergate, was revealed after the ground gave way beneath a cherry picker on December 2, 2024.
Jonathan Backhouse, who passed away in 1842, was the first treasurer of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, while his wife, Hannah, a noted preacher, campaigned against slavery in the United States. The couple's burial, previously thought to be in ordinary coffins, was found to be in a substantial vault measuring approximately three meters long and two-and-a-half meters deep, with well-rendered brick walls.
This discovery is particularly noteworthy as it challenges the traditional Quaker practice of modest burials. Quakers typically believe in equality in death, often opting for unmarked graves or simple headstones. The Backhouses' vault is one of the few known examples of such elaborate burial practices among Quakers, raising questions about their motivations for this choice.
The Quakers of Darlington are inviting the public to view the burial site on December 14, 2024, before it is re-sealed. The Backhouses' legacy is significant, with Jonathan's financial contributions to the railway and Hannah's activism against slavery marking their impact on both local and international communities.
Hannah Backhouse's travels as a Quaker missionary in the United States and her observations on slavery provide historical context to the couple's lives and the values they championed. The Backhouses lived in Polam Hall, where they raised their family and engaged in community service, reflecting their commitment to social justice.
The discovery of this vault not only sheds light on the Backhouse family but also enhances our understanding of Quaker burial practices and the social dynamics of 19th-century England.