Old Scarlett, Peterborough Cathedral’s legendary gravedigger, lived a remarkable life steeped in history, haunted by ghostly tales, and immortalised in local folklore
If you visit Peterborough Cathedral, you may encounter the haunting portrait of “Old Scarlett”, a gravedigger whose extraordinary life and enduring legacy have made him a symbol of resilience and local folklore.
The Life and Work of Old Scarlett
Robert Scarlett, born in 1496, defied the odds of his time by living to the remarkable age of 98. As the cathedral’s gravedigger and sexton for more than 50 years, he buried over 600 individuals, serving both commoners and nobility.
His most famous burials include two iconic queens.
In 1536, he interred Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. In 1587, he buried Mary, Queen of Scots, following her execution at Fotheringhay Castle. Although Mary’s remains were later moved to Westminster Abbey, Scarlett’s connection to her burial ties him to a pivotal moment in British history.
Despite the solemnity of his profession, Scarlett was celebrated for his steadfastness and longevity. His portrait in the cathedral, depicting him with a long white beard, red coat, and burial tools, immortalises his unique role.
Beneath it, a Latin epitaph honours his life and his service to the dead, including his role in burying two queens.
The Ghost of Old Scarlett
Stories of Scarlett’s ghost have persisted for centuries. Witnesses claim to see an elderly man in a red coat roaming the cathedral grounds, while some report hearing the sound of digging or muffled prayers at night. Whether folklore or fact, these tales add an eerie dimension to his legacy.
Local ghost hunters often visit the cathedral in search of Scarlett’s spectral presence, but his ghost seems to elude modern detection, leaving only chilling anecdotes behind. To many, his lingering spirit is a reminder of the close connection between life and death.
Today, Old Scarlett is remembered not just as a gravedigger but as a local folk hero. His story, portrait, and epitaph have become essential stops for visitors to Peterborough Cathedral. He serves as a poignant symbol of resilience, devotion, and the historical role of gravediggers as guardians of memory.
The image of Scarlett with his spade and pickaxe underscores his intimate relationship with mortality. Far more than a labourer, he was a witness to history and, in some ways, a link between humanity and the afterlife.
Old Scarlett remains a cornerstone of Peterborough’s heritage. Whether as a historical figure, a ghostly presence, or a folk legend, his memory endures. Visitors to the cathedral who pause before his portrait step into a story of life, death, and the mysteries that lie beyond.
So, the next time you visit Peterborough Cathedral, take a moment to reflect on Old Scarlett. Who knows? You might hear the faint scrape of a spade or feel a lingering presence that transcends time.
Have you seen the ghost of Old Scarlett? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
