This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The identity of a mysterious skeleton found in a Roman sarcophagus in the grounds of Westminster Abbey more than 150 years ago appears closer to being solved. When the limestone sarcophagus was excavated at the abbey in 1869, it was found bearing an inscription to Valerius Amandinus—a wealthy Briton who lived in the city around A.D. 300 to 400.
However, sculpted on the lid was a Latin cross dating from approximately the 10th or 11th century, suggesting that the human remains found within may belong to someone who had died many centuries later—their identity has been a mystery ever since. Now a new analysis, published in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association by Warwick Rodwell, consultant archaeologist at Westminster Abbey, concludes that the bones belonged to a high-ranking medieval monk. Rodwell believes the most likely candidate is Aelfwig, who died around 1020 after a career as an abbot at Westminster Abbey, then a Benedictine monastery.
Another is Aelfwig's successor Wulnoth, who died in 1049 and is presumed to have been buried at the abbey, as was Aelfwig. "We have two viable contenders for the occupant of the sarcophagus," says Rodwell, consultant archaeologist at Westminster Abbey. "We do not know the date of birth of either.
But either would fit equally well if we assume the abbot was in his early 20s when the appointment was made and close to 50 when he died. "The fact Aelfwig was already a monk of Westminster might favor him." Another clue that suggests the skeleton belonged to an abbot lies in the fact the occupant was "honored" with a "fine sarcophagus." His wooden coffin was placed inside the stone burial casket in what could represent an early example of recycling. The lid was then recarved to feature a large Latin cross, according to Rodwell.
The skeleton and Roman sarcophagus have been the subject of extensive research and discussion over the years. These latest findings provide fresh insights into its history. They result from a series of extensive analyses by Rodwell with the assistance of other experts.
They include Channel 4's Time Team, which examined the archaeology and structure of King Henry III's original sacristy on the north side of Westminster Abbey in 2009. This was the area of the abbey where in 1820 workmen accidentally unearthed the sarcophagus, smashing the lid into six pieces. The damage was repaired when the Roman coffin was later officially "discovered" in 1869.
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