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                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, February 4, 1993                   TAG: 9302040234
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: HAMPTON                                LENGTH: Short

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17TH CENTURY COFFINS TO BE ANALYZED

Three 17th century lead coffins found in Maryland will be taken to the College of William and Mary for analysis and preservation treatment, a researcher said Wednesday.

"We want to clean them properly and inspect them for any initials that may be inscribed," said Henry Miller, director of research and chief archaeologist at historic St. Mary's City, Maryland's Colonial capital until 1694.

The remains of a man, a woman and a child were found in the coffins that were discovered in 1990 during an archaeological dig under the ruins of a church.

Miller said the lead will be examined to try to determine whether it came from England or elsewhere in Europe, and clothing fragments from the bodies will be examined.

- Associated Press

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