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Digital reconstruction reveals face of Norman Conquest soldier

The face of a man who lived through the Norman Conquest has been digitally reconstructed, 50 years after his skeleton was found.

  • The skeleton, known as Conquest Man, was discovered at St Peter's Church in Barton-upon-Humber.
  • Analysis suggests Conquest Man was 50 to 60 years old, stocky, muscular, and just over five feet tall with healed fractures.
  • His burial is evidenced to have taken place in 1079.

The face of a man who lived through the Norman Conquest has been digitally reconstructed. His skeleton, known as Conquest Man, was found 50 years ago at St Peter's Church in Barton-upon-Humber, with evidence suggesting his burial occurred in 1079.

Osteological analysis, ancient DNA, and isotope testing were used to study his remains. Kevin Booth, English Heritage's head curator of collections, described Conquest Man as "what we'd now call Scandinavian" and possibly moved to Barton in adulthood.

Research indicated Conquest Man was stocky and muscular, just over five feet (1.5m) tall, and 50 to 60 years old, with multiple healed fractures. He was laid to rest in a coffin made from an oak tree felled around 1079.

Conquest Man is permanently on display at St Peter's Church and can be viewed during Heritage Open Days on 20 September from 12:00 to 16:00 BST.

Why this matters: The reconstruction offers a realistic view of an individual who experienced the Norman Conquest, providing a richer understanding of the period beyond a binary view.

What this means for you: You can view the reconstructed face of Conquest Man at St Peter's Church, Barton-upon-Humber, including during Heritage Open Days on 20 September.

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