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This article discusses the exhumation and discovery of the tombs and coffins of the Tudor dynasty—one of the most controversial lineages in English history, associated with executions, religious reformation, and mysterious deaths. The content is intended solely for educational and historical purposes, to promote understanding of royal archaeology, heritage preservation, and scientific findings from ancient graves. It is not intended to cause gratuitous shock or to glorify any tragic aspects of history.
The Greatest Discoveries from Opened Tudor Coffins: Secrets Revealed from Royal Tombs
The Tudor dynasty (1485–1603) stands as one of the most notorious and fascinating periods in British history: from Henry VIII with his six wives and the English Reformation to Queen Elizabeth I—the “Virgin Queen” who elevated England to a global power. Since the end of the dynasty, many tombs and coffins of Tudor royals have been opened during archaeological surveys, restoration projects, or re-interments from the 19th century to the present day. These openings have yielded staggering discoveries: from traces of disease and causes of death to details of burial rites and even DNA data that helps decode bloodlines. Below are the most significant discoveries from opened Tudor coffins.
1. The Coffin of Henry VIII (Re-opened in 1813 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle)
Henry VIII died in 1547 and was buried in St George’s Chapel, Windsor, beside Jane Seymour—his third and most beloved wife. In 1813, during chapel repairs, Henry’s coffin was opened for inspection.
Shocking Discoveries:
Henry’s body was heavily decomposed, but the skeleton remained intact. Scientists noted he was approximately 1.88 m (6 feet 2 inches) tall—exceptionally tall for that era.
The skull showed traces of advanced syphilis—a hypothesis debated for centuries regarding his mental and physical decline late in life.
The coffin was partially fractured due to his sudden surge in body weight (estimated at over 180 kg by the end of his life due to obesity and chronic leg ulcers).
Jane Seymour’s body beside him was much better preserved, indicating that Tudor embalming techniques varied significantly between individuals.
2. The Coffin of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk (Opened in 1780 and 2016)
Charles Brandon, Henry VIII’s close friend and brother-in-law (married to Henry’s sister, Mary Tudor), was buried with his wife at St Mary’s Church, Bury St Edmunds. The coffin was first opened in 1780 and again in 2016 during church renovations.
Notable Findings:
1780: The bodies of Charles and Mary were found almost intact thanks to being buried in sealed lead coffins. Clothing and royal insignias were still clearly visible.
2016: Modern archaeology confirmed Mary Tudor died of osteoarticular tuberculosis—the cause of her death at age 37. Bone analysis revealed traces of severe arthritis and spinal deformity.
3. The Coffins of Jane Seymour and Henry VIII (Inspected in 1813 and 2013–2015)
Jane Seymour, Henry VIII’s most cherished wife and mother of Edward VI, was buried next to him at Windsor.
Key Discoveries:
Jane had been meticulously embalmed (using lead and spices), leaving her body much more intact than Henry’s decades later.
Analysis from 2013–2015 (Windsor Archaeological Project) confirmed Jane died of obstetric complications (postpartum infection) just 12 days after giving birth to Edward VI in 1537—a common cause of death in the Tudor era due to poor hygiene.
4. The Coffin of Elizabeth I (Not Opened, but Inner Coffin Inspected 1603–1868)
Elizabeth I died in 1603 and was buried in the Lady Chapel of Henry VII at Westminster Abbey, in the same vault as her half-sister, Mary I.
Indirect Findings:
In 1868, when the outer vault was opened to check its condition, officials noted that the inner lead coffin remained sealed, and a strange fragrance (from embalming spices) still lingered.
There are no official plans to open the coffin out of respect, but documents suggest Elizabeth was embalmed by removing internal organs and using strong spirits—a Tudor technique that provided excellent preservation.
5. Other Findings from Tudor Coffins
The Coffin of Edward VI (Son of Henry VIII): Opened in the 1960s during a Westminster Abbey project—confirmed the 15-year-old boy died of pulmonary tuberculosis combined with infection.
The Coffin of Katherine Parr (Henry VIII’s Last Wife): Exhumed in 1782 and 2012—discovered she died of childbirth complications in 1548.
The Coffins of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York (Henry VIII’s Grandparents): Opened in 1837—confirmed Henry VII died of tuberculosis and heart failure.
Historical Significance of These Exhumations
These exhumations do more than just confirm causes of death (tuberculosis, obstetric issues, syphilis, obesity); they provide scientific evidence regarding health, diet, and Tudor embalming techniques. They help debunk many myths (for instance, that Henry VIII was not “mad” due to head trauma, but primarily due to illness and political pressure) and provide valuable DNA data for studying royal lineages. However, opening royal coffins always sparks ethical and reverential debates. Modern exhumations are typically conducted under strict supervision from the Church of England and the Royal Family.
The opened Tudor coffins have brought forth monumental discoveries: from the traces of Henry VIII’s ailments and Jane Seymour’s obstetric cause of death to the pristine preservation of Mary Tudor. They not only reveal the truth behind the deaths of kings and queens but also show the health toll paid by royalty in an era of primitive medicine. These findings are a vivid testament to the intersection of history, science, and heritage—turning coffins into invaluable primary sources for one of England’s most notorious dynasties.
Sources:
Westminster Abbey Official Records: Exhumations and examinations of Tudor tombs (1837, 1868, 2013–2015).
The Royal Collection Trust & Windsor Castle Archives: Reports on Henry VIII and Jane Seymour (1813).
British Medical Journal & Forensic Studies: “The Health of Henry VIII” (2010–2015).
The Tudors: The Complete Story – Alison Weir and British royal archaeological sources.
The Panthéon & Musée de Cluny: Documents relating to Tudor heritage in France and England.
Articles from The Guardian, BBC History, and History Today: On Tudor tomb exhumations.