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'Queen's bones' found in Winchester Cathedral royal chests 'Queen's bones' found in Winchester Cathedral royal chests
(about 4 hours later)
Bones held in mortuary chests in Winchester Cathedral could include those of an early English Queen, researchers have found. Bones held in mortuary chests in Winchester Cathedral could include those of an early English queen, researchers have found.
The contents of six chests have been analysed and radiocarbon-dated.The contents of six chests have been analysed and radiocarbon-dated.
University of Bristol biological anthropologists found they contained the remains of at least 23 individuals - several more than originally thought.University of Bristol biological anthropologists found they contained the remains of at least 23 individuals - several more than originally thought.
One is believed to be that of Queen Emma who was married to kings of England, Ethelred and Cnut.One is believed to be that of Queen Emma who was married to kings of England, Ethelred and Cnut.
Although the chests, originally placed near the high altar, had inscriptions stating who was supposed to be within them, it was known the names bore no relation to the actual contents.Although the chests, originally placed near the high altar, had inscriptions stating who was supposed to be within them, it was known the names bore no relation to the actual contents.
The contents had become mixed when the cathedral was ransacked and the bones were scattered by Roundhead soldiers during the English Civil War in 1642.The contents had become mixed when the cathedral was ransacked and the bones were scattered by Roundhead soldiers during the English Civil War in 1642.
They were repacked by locals so it was not known whose remains were replaced, or if they were the same bones.They were repacked by locals so it was not known whose remains were replaced, or if they were the same bones.
Queen EmmaQueen Emma
Source: British LibrarySource: British Library
A research project began in 2012 and has dated the contents of the chests to late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman periods.A research project began in 2012 and has dated the contents of the chests to late Anglo-Saxon and early Norman periods.
More than 1,300 bones were reassembled and analysing the sex, age and physical characteristics led researchers to conclude that a mature female's remains could be those of Emma of Normandy. Her bones were found dispersed in several of the chests.More than 1,300 bones were reassembled and analysing the sex, age and physical characteristics led researchers to conclude that a mature female's remains could be those of Emma of Normandy. Her bones were found dispersed in several of the chests.
Further DNA analysis is being carried out to confirm the royal identity.Further DNA analysis is being carried out to confirm the royal identity.
It had originally been thought that the remains of between 12 and 15 high status individuals were held in the chests, however, the research revealed the partial remains of at least 23 people.It had originally been thought that the remains of between 12 and 15 high status individuals were held in the chests, however, the research revealed the partial remains of at least 23 people.
There was also an unexpected find of the skeletons of two boys aged between 10 and 15.There was also an unexpected find of the skeletons of two boys aged between 10 and 15.
Prof Kate Robson Brown said they were "almost certainly of royal blood".Prof Kate Robson Brown said they were "almost certainly of royal blood".
"We cannot be certain of the identity of each individual yet, but we are certain that this is a very special assemblage of bones," she said."We cannot be certain of the identity of each individual yet, but we are certain that this is a very special assemblage of bones," she said.
The findings, as well as the bones of Queen Emma, form part of a major Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation exhibition which opens later this month. The findings, as well as a reconstruction of the bones of Queen Emma, form part of a major Kings and Scribes: The Birth of a Nation exhibition which opens later this month.
What questions do you have about this story? Use the form below and we could be in touch.What questions do you have about this story? Use the form below and we could be in touch.