Head of 800-year-old mummy stolen from Dublin church crypt

The head of ‘The Crusader’ was removed from a crypt in St Michan’s Church over the weekend.

The crime was discovered when a guide went to open the church for visitors on Monday afternoon.

The crypt has been badly damaged and several of the mummies, including the 400-year-old remains of a nun, had been desecrated.

The Crusader’s body was turned over and his head removed.

The Archbishop of Dublin Michael Jackson expressed sadness and outrage at the incident.

“I am shocked that someone would target this ancient burial place and desecrate the remains of those lying within it,” he said.

“Not only have these individuals desecrated the sacred crypt but they have destroyed these historic mummies which have been preserved in St Michan’s for hundreds of years.

“I would appeal to those responsible to examine their consciences and return the head of The Crusader to its rightful place.”

Mummies in the St Michan’s Church crypt in 2012

Archdeacon David Pierpoint said he has been left “upset and disappointed” that the church has been targeted again after the crypt was vandalised in 1996.

“The actions of these people are devastating and sacrilegious,” he said.

“We are upset at the amount of damage that has been caused. But also the crypt will have to close so tourists will not be able to visit. It is very frustrating.

“I…