The STRANGE Story Of The Floating Coffins Of London This intriguing video dives into one of the most peculiar graves in London, located in the serene suburb of Pinner at the cemetery of Saint John the Baptist. It tells the story of a unique A-shaped monument that serves as the final resting place for William and Agnes Luden, a married couple. Their coffins, quite literally, protrude from either side of the monument, sparking curiosity about the unusual tale behind it.
A Unique Arrangement
The monument, built around the early 1800s—likely in 1809 when William passed away—was a creation of their eldest son, John Luden. The arrangement of their burial had a rather unusual stipulation: according to their late father's will, the tenancy of the family property, Wood Hall, was supposed to revert back to other heirs once both William and Agnes had passed away. The will contained a clause indicating that as long as William and Agnes remained "above the ground," their son could maintain control of the property.
A Selfish Motive?
John ingeniously took this wording literally. He engineered this unforgettable memorial so that his parents would remain "above the ground" for as long as possible, ensuring he could keep the tenancy without interruption. As a landscaper involved in public space design, he was well-positioned to manipulate these legal nuances to his benefit.
Legacy
Sadly, John only enjoyed his parental property for a short time, passing away just two years after his mother in 1843. Nonetheless, the floating coffins remain a fascinating slice of London's burial history, reminding visitors of the lengths to which one might go for familial advantage.
Engage with Us!
What do you think about John's unconventional tactics regarding his parents’ graves? Have you come across similar odd stories related to burials or monuments in your area? Share your thoughts and experiences! Also, check out related threads discussing other quirky historical topics or gravestones that have unusual stories behind them.