Skeleton in Roman sarcophagus reevaluated

A skeleton found in a Roman sarcophagus dating to the 4th century, discovered in 1869 at Westminster Abbey, may belong to an Anglo-Saxon abbot who died in the early 11th century, according to a study published in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association on October 21, 2026. The sarcophagus, which has intrigued historians since its discovery, has a Latin epitaph on its base from the Roman era and a large medieval cross on its lid.

Archaeologist identifies likely candidates

Warwick Rodwell, a consulting archaeologist at the abbey, suggests the occupant is likely an abbot of Westminster who died in the early 11th century. The study cross-references the dating of the bones with the chronology of the abbots of the monastery. Rodwell acknowledges the question cannot be definitively resolved, with two names remaining in contention: Ælfwig, who served from 993 to 1020, and Wulfnoth, who served from 1020 to 1049. Wulfsige, who left Westminster to become a bishop, is considered less likely.

Sarcophagus history and findings

The skeleton had not left the sarcophagus. When the 1869 discovery was made, the dean of the abbey, Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, observed it without any funerary furnishings. After being sealed and moved several times, the coffin was later considered empty. In 2016, its opening for restoration revealed complete bones, but in disarray.

Bioarchaeologist details physical condition

James Langthorne, a bioarchaeologist from the Pre-Construct Archaeology society, examined them the same year. He describes a man aged 35 to 49 years, approximately 1.75 meters tall, suffering from arthritis and gout. He also had two healed rib fractures. Radiocarbon dating places his death between 987 and 1052. The fact that Ælfwig was already a monk at Westminster could play a role in identifying him as the occupant.