A skeleton found in a Roman sarcophagus left experts guessing for 150 years. Now, two names have emerged

A skeleton found inside a Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey may belong to a medieval abbot, according to new research that offers fresh clues to a mystery dating back more than 150 years. Two former abbots have emerged as possible candidates, although the man's identity remains unconfirmed.

The limestone sarcophagus was excavated on the Abbey’s North Green in 1869. Its inscription names Valerius Amandinus, a wealthy Briton who lived around 300 to 400 AD. However, a Latin cross carved into the lid dates from the 10th or 11th century, suggesting the coffin was reused for a burial centuries after Amandinus’s time.

Who Was Buried Inside the Roman Sarcophagus

Professor Warwick Rodwell, Westminster Abbey’s consultant archaeologist, believes the remains may belong to Aelfwig, who served as abbot of the medieval Benedictine monastery and died around 1020. His successor, Wulnoth, who died in 1049, is another possibility. He is also presumed to have been buried at the Abbey.


Rodwell said both men could fit the available evidence if they were in their early twenties when appointed abbot and close to 50 when they died. Aelfwig’s earlier connection to Westminster may favour him, as he was already a monk at the Abbey.

Neither candidate has been conclusively identified as the man in the sarcophagus.

The burial provides another clue. The wooden coffin containing the remains was placed inside the stone sarcophagus, and the lid was remodelled with a large Latin cross. Rodwell considers the use of a fine sarcophagus an indication that the occupant was honoured in burial, which is consistent with the possibility that he was a high-ranking monk.

Carbon Dating Reveals When the Sarcophagus Was Reused

Scientific analysis has helped establish when the burial took place.

A bone sample was sent to the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre for carbon dating. As per the results, the remains were placed between 987 and 1052 AD. This supports the conclusion that the Roman sarcophagus was reused during the late Saxon period.

The dating also fits the period in which Aelfwig and Wulnoth lived. However, it cannot determine which man, if either, was buried inside.

The findings were published in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association following extensive analysis by Rodwell and other specialists.

New Analysis Revises the Skeleton’s Age and Height

Human bone specialist James Young Langthorne of Pre-Construct Archaeology examined the remains and estimated that the deceased man was between 35 and 49 years old and approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, as per the Westminster Abbey report.

But that differs from an assessment made in the 19th century which described the skeleton as belonging to a robust young man who stood around 5 feet 7 inches tall and was no older than 30.

The newer estimates provide further information about the deceased but do not establish his identity. Both Aelfwig and Wulnoth remain possible candidates.