Skeleton in Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey identified as medieval monk

The skeleton was uncovered in a Roman sarcophagus excavated in 1869 at Westminster Abbey. The coffin has an inscription to Valerius Amandinus and a Latin cross carved in the 10th‑11th century.

According to Warwick Rodwell, who published a study in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association, the remains belong to a high‑ranking medieval monk. He names Aelfwig, abbot who died around 1020, and his successor Wulnoth, who died in 1049, as the most likely occupants.

According to bioarchaeologist James Langthorne of Pre‑Construct Archaeology, the man was between 35 and 49 years old and 1.75 m tall. He noted osteoarthritis, two healed rib injuries, and gout. The skeleton had been disturbed, with a hole in the skull and mixed arm and leg bones.

Carbon dating of bone samples dated the burial to between 987 and 1052 CE, according to the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre. This confirms the Roman sarcophagus was reused in the Middle Ages. The lid was recarved to feature a large Latin cross.

The skull was reconstructed with wire and glue before being placed back in the sarcophagus, according to the conservation work. The findings provide new insight into the burial practices of Westminster Abbey.