Early 11th century skeleton, Bradwell on Sea (EHER 47339)

The remains of an adult male skeleton found on the beach at Bradwell-on-Sea. It was not possible to ascertain the cause of death. The remains were radiocarbon dated and his death was placed most probably within the first few decades of the 11th century.

April 2010. Chance find and excavation. Human remains were exposed by harsh winter weather. The remains were those of an adult male, not very tall (femur length 56cm), but well-built and with a prominent nose. The teeth had been much worn down, probably from the ingestion of flour containing a high level of grit. There was evidence for arthritic changes to the neck vertebrae and the left femur, which might indicate ‘wear and tear’ during life, possibly related to his occupation. There had been damage to the skull, but it was considered that this was a consequence of erosion by the sea. It was not possible to ascertain the cause of death. The remains were radiocarbon dated and his death was placed most probably within the first few decades of the 11th century. The body appears to have been laid in a shallow grave, although the actual grave cut was not identified during excavation. It was laid out neatly on his back on a North-South axis, with feet pointing out into the estuary, the arms down the side of the body and the head lying on its side facing West. Examination of the burial site indicated that it had been buried in saltmarsh deposits. <1>