Ossafreelance Case Study - Osteology Report, Worcester Cathedral

The results of the osteoarchaeological analysis of Skeleton 1188 suggest that this individual was an older male of at least 50 years of age. There was no evidence of malnutrition and he attained a stature of 1.71, above average for the medieval period. Perhaps this indicates that he enjoyed the benefits of a comparatively high social status. The significance of the location of his burial, within the chapter house of Worcester Cathedral, as well as presence of a stone cyst, would certainly seem to suggest that he was considered an important man amongst his peers.

However, life in a position of comparative social standing did not protect this individual from the perils of everyday life and he appears to have succumbed to at least two traumatic incidents. One of these resulted in a serious chronic infection, which would have rendered him immobile. At least he may have been able to take comfort in the fact that he probably had access the best medical care available at the time!

5 Skeleton 1188: Conclusion - a high status burial?
	The results of the osteoarchaeological analysis of Skeleton 1188 suggest that this individual was an older male of at least 50 years of age. There was no evidence of malnutrition and he attained a stature of 1.71, above average for the medieval period. Perhaps this indicates that he enjoyed the benefits of a comparatively high social status. The significance of the location of his burial, within the chapter house of Worcester Cathedral, as well as presence of a stone cyst, would certainly seem to suggest that he was considered an important man amongst his peers. However, life in a position of comparative social standing did not protect this individual from the perils of everyday life and he appears to have succumbed to at least two traumatic incidents. One of these resulted in a serious chronic infection, which would have rendered him immobile. At least he may have been able to take comfort in the fact that he probably had access the best medical care available at the time!