This grim photograph shows a body unearthed within the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral.

Visitors to the world famous monument were shocked to see the bones visible in a shallow hole dug by archaeologists.

English literature student Emily Prest, who regularly attends Evensong at the Cathedral, took the snap on her phone.

The 21-year-old, who studies at Canterbury Christ Church University and lives in the city, asked a member of the dig team about the discovery.

“He said they were digging to test the ground for something that was going to be built,” she said.

“Scans of the ground showed something in opposite corners so they dug and found the skeleton.

“He said from the hip bone that it was likely an adolescent male. The leg bones were curved so he said he might have had rickets as well.

“I asked if I could take a photograph and he said it was fine.

"There were loads of tourists and they were asking questions and taking photos as well.

“There were some other bones exposed and facing in the opposite direction, but they couldn’t tell if it was another skeleton.”

Cathedral spokesman Jane Walker confirmed that digging had taken place within the cloisters.

It's exploratory excavation to do with future drainage for the Cathedral," she said.

"The cloisters have been a burial ground since the Reformation."

Mrs Walker confirmed that Canterbury Archaeological Trust has been carrying out the dig, with the permission of Historic England.