Archaeologists May Have Discovered Mystery Skeleton Found in Westminster

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In 1820, a limestone sarcophagus was first discovered in Westminster Abbey. At the time, the lid of the coffin was broken into six pieces, and due to rough handling, the skull inside was damaged. Because all of the bones were swept into a pile and left in disarray, the coffin and its contents were reburied without study or documentation.

By 1869, the skeleton was officially excavated. However, experts always believed the remains weren’t originally buried in that location, just north of the nave. As archaeologists examined the century-old coffin, they wondered for more than 150 years: What or who is inside?

While prior research believed the sarcophagus dated to the Roman period in the fourth century, recent studies in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association suggest the owner was likely a medieval monk or abbot of Westminster. Despite the words “to the memory of Valerius Amandinus” found on the coffin, nothing is known about him. Alongside the quote, however, was a carved cross likely made 600 years before. These findings led researchers to re-examine their initial conclusions.

Though Rodwell first learned of the coffin’s history in 2009, he jumped at the chance to revisit the burial site in 2016. Today, analysis of the skeleton reveals a male, 5’9”, aged 35-49, who lived in the 10th or 11th century. Upon examination, researchers also found a rectangular outline in a white substance at the bottom of the sarcophagus. Rodwell believes this could be evidence that the body was powdered with lime prior to burial and that the skeleton was likely that of an abbot.

“Nobody of lower rank would have been buried in anything like that,” he told the Guardian. “The Latin cross again points to a major ecclesiastic.”

Rodwell’s theory has currently narrowed the identity of the skeletal remains to two possible individuals: Ælfwig or Wulfnoth. Between the two, Rodwell believes Ælfwig is the more likely choice because he was already a monk at Westminster Abbey when the previous abbot died and served as abbot for 27 years.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Vicvaz 

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.