For hundreds of years, human bones thought to belong to Anglo-Saxon kings and bishops have been kept in mortuary chests high on the Cathedral’s walls. But whose remains are they really? Could they include famous figures such as King Cnut and Queen Emma?
The tour begins outside on the site of the Saxon Old Minster, where these remains were originally buried. From there, you’ll move inside the Cathedral to discover what happened when the Old Minster was demolished in 1093 and the bones were relocated to their present position.
The final part of the tour takes place in the Cathedral triforium, where an exhibition explains how modern scientific techniques — including DNA analysis — are finally helping researchers unravel this centuries-old puzzle. This thought-provoking tour blends archaeology, history, and science to shed new light on the Cathedral’s earliest past.
Practical information:
This tour lasts around 60 minutes.
Parts of the route are outdoors on slightly uneven ground, so suitable footwear and clothing are recommended.
