Digital Reconstruction Reveals Face of 'Conquest Man' Buried After Norman Conquest

Archaeologists have digitally reconstructed the visage of a man from the 11th century, known as 'Conquest Man,' whose remains were found at St Peter's Church in Barton-upon-Humber, England. His skeleton was unearthed during digs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the oak coffin dating back to approximately 1079, shortly after the Norman Conquest. Led by Kevin Booth from English Heritage, the analysis of tooth enamel indicated that he likely spent his childhood locally, although oxygen levels imply he may have lived part of his youth in a colder region. The grave contained apple wood staffs, suggesting possible Scandinavian burial customs, which raises the possibility of his Scandinavian origins. He died in his 50s or 60s, measured 5 foot 1 inch, and exhibited several healed fractures. The facial reconstruction, undertaken by the Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University, portrays him with thin lips and a receding hairline. English Heritage released the research, which included input from Sarah Stark of Historic England, with coverage by the Guardian and the Times.