Mutilated remains may be 14th century mob-attack victim, Richard de Holebrok

In February 1327, 84 angry people assaulted Richard de Holebrok of Tattingstone, tied him to a tree and cut off his right hand. Holebrok complained to the English authorities, but what he did to provoke such an attack, if anything, is unknown. It may have been a blood feud between local gentry, of which the Holebrok family were members.

A researcher has identified what he believes is Holebrok's body, exhumed from a medieval burial ground. The right hand is missing and a scientific examination revealed the severed arm had healed, and the person used the arm before he died.

Holebrok's case is recorded in the Patent Rolls, a written record of legal matters affecting English citizens from the time of King John, beginning in 1201.