Skeleton found in Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey may have belonged to medieval monk

A Roman sarcophagus excavated at Westminster Abbey in 1869 may contain the remains of a medieval monk, a new study suggests. The limestone coffin, inscribed to Valerius Amandinus from around 300–400 CE, had its lid re-carved with a Latin cross from the 10th or 11th century. Carbon dating of a bone sample places the skeleton between 987 and 1052 CE. Archaeologist Warwick Rodwell believes the remains likely belong to a high-ranking monk such as Abbot Aelfwig or Abbot Wulnoth.

Human remains found in a Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey may have belonged to a medieval monk, according to a new study led by Professor Warwick Rodwell, a consultant archaeologist at the Abbey. The limestone sarcophagus was excavated in 1869 and bears an inscription to Valerius Amandinus, a wealthy individual who lived around 300–400 CE. However, its lid was re-carved with a Latin cross dating to approximately the 10th or 11th century, suggesting the remains inside are from a later period. Carbon dating of a bone sample places the skeleton between 987 and 1052 CE. Rodwell argues the remains likely belong to a high-ranking monk, such as Abbot Aelfwig, who died around 1020, or his successor Wulnoth, who died in 1049. The skeleton showed evidence of joint disease, healed rib fractures, and an infection in the lower right leg. The sarcophagus is on public display in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey.