Descendants of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, one of Britain’s great philosophers, want to give him a resting place “consistent with his greatness” at St Michael’s Church in Highgate.

The remains of Coleridge were re-buried 60 years ago from the grounds of a nearby school to a crypt under St Michael’s. They are bricked up in a 17th century wine cellar filled with rubble.

Over 20 descendants will gather at the church on June 2 to launch a “Reclaim the Crypt” fundraising campaign, which is backed by the church itself. The public is welcome to join.

Sir Paul Coleridge, the poet’s great, great, great, great, great nephew, said: “He, his wife and other family members lie in a rubble-filled vault under St Michael’s, where he worshipped. This is of obvious concern to the Coleridge family but should be of national and international concern too.”

For information about the June 2 event, visit stmichaelshighgate.org