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Archaeologists Identify Medieval Abbot in Westminster Abbey Sarcophagus

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 11:11 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

UK archaeologists identify a medieval abbot as likely occupant of a sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey.
A 4th-century sarcophagus unearthed in 1869 held a skeleton dated 987-1052 when opened in 2016.
Radiocarbon dating placed the burial in the 10th or early 11th century, confirming medieval origin.
Consultant archaeologist Warwick Rodwell argues abbot Ælfwig (d. ?1020) is the most likely occupant.
The sarcophagus displays in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey.

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Story summary

UK archaeologists identify a medieval abbot as likely occupant of a sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey.
A 4th-century sarcophagus unearthed in 1869 held a skeleton dated 987-1052 when opened in 2016.
Radiocarbon dating placed the burial in the 10th or early 11th century, confirming medieval origin.
Consultant archaeologist Warwick Rodwell argues abbot Ælfwig (d. ?1020) is the most likely occupant.
The sarcophagus displays in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey.