Vandals have torn open coffins from a vault housing relatives of Royalty at St Laurence Cemetery in Ramsgate. During the wrecking spree yobs forced their way into a mausoleum which is resting place of dignitaries including Augustus Frederick D'este a grandson of George III, and former Lord Chancellor Thomas Wilde. The ornate vault, which dates to the 1840's has since been bricked up by council workers and a police investigation is underway. Undergrowth is to be cut back to reduce the number of hiding places available to yobs. Vicar Sharran Ireland was horrified by the damage which was discovered last month. She said " It was quite distressing really. The church was built in 1062 and we have got incredible links with Royalty. It's such a historical building and it's sad it has fallen into the hands of vandalism. The council does its best to help but there are a lot of demands on the local authorities money" Mrs Ireland added the damage comes just months after a churchwarden had her bag stolen by a crook as show strolled through the churchyard. Peter Landi, a Ramsgate Historian, was appealed to hear of the damage at the site. "It has had drug use and antisocial behaviour but it's disappointing to hear it has got to opening coffins. We have had the same sort of thing at Ramsgate cemetery with teddy bears and things being stolen from children's graves". Landlord Alan Moore of the St Lawrence tavern near the Church said the damage was the most shocking example of an ongoing problem which he has witnessed. " I walk frequently through the Churchyard and often you see gravestones which has been broken. A total lack of respect for people and their property says Councillor Jill Kirby. Royal Connections Among these buried in the vandalised graves are John Murray (1732-1809) The fourth Earl of Dunmow. Lady Augusta Murray (1768-1830) The earls daughter who married Prince Augustus Frederick, sixth son of King George III, in Rome. Sir Augustus Frederick (1794-1848) Grandson of George III Lady Augusta Emma D'este (1801-1866) Sir Augustus' Sister Thomas Wilde (1782-1855) Married Lady Augusta, Lord Chancellor, MP and first Baron Truro.