The Bone Chests: Unlocking the Secrets of the Anglo-Saxons (Paperback) by Cat Jarman

The historical significance of Winchester Cathedral is brought to life in this gripping narrative by bioarchaeologist and bestselling author Cat Jarman. Titled "The Bone Chests," the book delves into the fascinating history of England's formation as a nation, told through the discovery of six bone chests stored in the cathedral for over a thousand years. Set during the Civil War in December 1642, the story begins with Parliamentarian troops storming the magnificent cathedral with the intent to destroy. Their search leads them to the presbytery, where they target ten exquisitely decorated wooden chests placed high up on the stone screens. Little do they know, these chests hold England's most venerated and ancient remains, including the bones of eight kings, three bishops, and a remarkable queen named Emma of Normandy. Among the kings laid to rest within the chests are William Rufus and Cnut the Great, the sole Scandinavian king to rule England and establish a North Sea empire. These royal remains not only bear witness to the creation of the kingdom of Wessex in the seventh century but also played a vital role in the unification of England as a response to Viking invasions. They were also intimately connected to the Norman conquest, an event that shaped the course of English history. In their destructive fervor, the invading soldiers smash several chests to the ground, using the bones as missiles to shatter the cathedral's magnificent stained glass windows. The clergy, in a scramble to preserve what remains, gather the scattered bones for safekeeping. Fast forward to 2012, when the six surviving bone chests were reopened by a team of forensic archaeologists. Equipped with the latest scientific methods, the experts embarked on a quest to identify the contents of these ancient relics. What they found was a complex intermingling of bones, including the remains of two forgotten princes. This discovery provided Cat Jarman and her team with a wealth of material to uncover the stories of these long-forgotten individuals. "The Bone Chests" weaves together a palimpsest narrative that spans over a millennium of British history. Within its pages, readers encounter not only the seekers of the bones but also the sought-after individuals themselves. It explores the motivations of those who protected and revered these relics while also delving into those who rejected their significance. Additionally, Jarman dives into the methods employed by investigators to shed light on the mysteries concealed within the bone chests. The tale that unfolds within these pages is both extraordinary and tragic, showcasing the transformative power of history. It raises thought-provoking questions about why these bones were revered, why they were placed within the cathedral's walls, and can we ever truly identify the individuals they belonged to? Cat Jarman's meticulous research, combined with her engaging storytelling, paints a vivid portrait of a nation's history as seen through the lens of its ancient bones. "The Bone Chests" is sure to captivate readers with its compelling narrative and provide fresh insights into the story of England's birth as a unified country.