Ref. 12517/4GAZETTE & HERALD: An 11th century skeleton discovered in a stream at Marshfield has gone on display at the Chippenham Museum and Heritage Centre.
The skeleton, nicknamed Cedric, was discovered in May 2002 by Liam Adkins, then 14, and his twin brothers Ash and Chris, then 11, when they were walking along the course of a stream.
They spotted what looked like a human skull and once the boys had informed their parents the police were called in to investigate.
But initial fears the skull belonged to a recent murder victim were soon allayed and Oxford University carbon dated Cedric at 1041 to 1083 so he may have been alive at the time of the Norman conquest.
"It is quite exciting to have him here," said heritage centre manager Mike Stone. "Chippenham was an important place at that time and it is quite likely he would have walked or ridden to the town. Now he's come back."
The brothers' mum, Caroline Adkins, of East End, Marshfield, said her sons were a bit overwhelmed by all the attention Cedric subsequently received.
The boys, who all attend Hardenhuish School, may be visiting the Heritage Centre soon to see their discovery on display.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article