EDO5028 - Excavations for the construction of the Freemason's War Memorial, Bow Chapel, Sherborne Abbey

In 1925 a stone coffin was discovered during the excavations connected with the erection of the Freemasons' War Memorial (1). The memorial screen was erected in the western arch of the Bow chapel and opened on 17th January 1927 (2). The coffin was made 'of Ham Hill stone, it contained human bones, though sacrilegious hands had already removed clothes and anything else of value. Its measurements tallied better than its fellow and it is now believed to be the tomb of Aethelbert.' (1) There is absolutely no evidence to corroborate the theory that this burial is that of Aethelbert.