A team of archaeologists excavating in the 900-year-old Exeter Cathedral have discovered a burial crypt containing stone-lined tombs. One of the burial occupants is a medieval VIP: William the Conqueror’s nephew, Bishop William Warelwast, who was found resting at the heart of the sacred site.
Situated in Devon, England, Exeter Cathedral stands among the masterpieces of European medieval architecture. Founded in 1114 AD, this mega-structure of Christian worship took over 70 years to complete. Standing on a classic Gothic design, and constructed with a local red sandstone facade and a spectacular two-towered west front, a range of splendid stained-glass windows and finely carved sculptures are covered with soaring vaulted ceilings.
A report in Devon Live explains that hidden in “a sunken area” beyond the Norman period high altar, a team of archaeologists found a crypt that was back-filled in the 14th century. Within one of the burials the team unearthed the remains of a 13th-century Bishop of Exeter, William Brewer. In another they unearthed the body of the 12th-century Bishop William Warelwast, nephew of William the Conqueror who invaded England in 1066 AD.
Archaeological excavations within the Quire at Exeter Cathedral. ( Exeter Cathedral )
Fighting the Evils of Moisture at Exeter Cathedral
The archaeological excavations are taking place in the Quire as part of the cathedral’s 2020s Development Project, supported by the Valencia Communities Fund via the Landfill Communities Fund . The…
