Lincoln Castle skeleton 'could be Saxon king or bishop'

Blackleaf

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 9, 2004
50,000
1,916
113
Lincoln Castle skeleton 'could be Saxon king or bishop'


A skeleton found in Lincoln Castle could belong to a Saxon king or bishop, according to archaeologists.

The skeleton was in a stone sarcophagus believed to date from about AD900.

Although the sarcophagus has not yet been opened, an endoscopy revealed the remains were buried alongside other objects - possibly gold.

Programme manager Mary Powell, of Lincoln Castle Revealed, said: "We think it's somebody terribly important - possibly a bishop or a Saxon king."

Read more: BBC News - Lincoln Castle skeleton 'could be Saxon king or bishop'


Lincoln Castle



A Roman fort was built at the site in about AD60

The Romans abandoned Lincoln and Britain in AD410

William the Conqueror built Lincoln Castle in 1068 on the site of the Roman fortress

For 900 years the castle was used as a court and prison

Lincoln Castle is home to one of only four surviving Magna Carta copies


The team has found nine skeletons from the Saxon period buried on the site


They believe a skeleton found in a stone sarcophagus could belong to a bishop or king


An endoscopy revealed a shiny object buried with the skeleton inside the sarcophagus


The archaeologists are carrying out forensic examinations of the remains


The team said they were excited about discovering the identities of the skeletons


Many of the finds, such as this 14th Century pottery handle in the shape of a head, will go on display at the castle


The number of objects found beneath the castle came as a surprise to the team


Discoveries include a coin from the reign of Elizabeth I