Should Henry VIII’s burial vault be scanned or reassessed?
I’ve been thinking about Henry VIII’s burial place at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.
Henry is buried in a vault with Jane Seymour, and later Charles I was also placed there. Unlike some other major monarchs, Henry never received the huge tomb he planned for himself, and today the burial place is marked fairly plainly.
Given modern non-invasive technology, do you think there is a good argument for scanning or reassessing the vault - not to disturb the remains, but to understand the condition of the burial space, conservation risks, and whether the arrangement is exactly as traditionally understood?
I’m not really arguing for an exhumation or public spectacle. More the idea of a respectful archaeological/conservation survey, similar in spirit to how historically important royal burials are sometimes studied when there is a genuine preservation or identification question.
Would that be appropriate, or should the vault be left alone unless there is a direct conservation need?
I’d be interested to hear what people think, especially on the ethical side: historical knowledge vs royal/religious burial dignity.