Grail search theory over church vandalism
A mysterious incident of vandalism at a Shropshire church may have been caused by enthusiasts looking for the Holy Grail, it was claimed today. Stonework was chipped off in four areas inside St Luke's Church in Hodnet in what appears to have been a bid to look behind the wall.
Today the Reverend Charmian Beech said the church appeared on a Holy Grail website due to its beautiful stained glass window, which features a feminine looking St John, whom some theorists claim could be Mary Magdalene.
The vandals did not break in or steal anything, and tidied up after the incident, which is believed to have happened on August 11.
But church leaders are considering installing security cameras to protect the building from future attacks. The vandals also appear to have climbed onto a window sill, slipped and grabbed an organ pipe, which was broken.
Mrs Beech said she did not know how much the repairs would cost
"It looks as if we have had visitors who were extremely interested and were searching for a map or a grail or something," she said. "It is very mysterious.
"There are several places where they have taken a hammer and chisel and gouged great big bits of the stone wall. Anything that defaces a holy place is a serious thing so we are upset, but it could have been worse."
The church received a flood of interest following the release of the Da Vinci Code, starring Tom Hanks, this year.
Police are investigating the matter. Anyone with information can call them on 08457 444 888.
