Preservation of King Henry V’s Body: Methods and Process from the 15th Century

King Henry V of England died on August 31, 1422, during his campaign in France. After his passing, his remains were kept in Westminster Abbey for 68 days before he was laid to rest there. This article explores the various methods of body preservation used in the Middle Ages, the specific process applied to King Henry V, and the challenges faced during the embalming process.

Methods of Body Preservation in the Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, various methods were employed to preserve the bodies of the deceased. These methods included immersion, evisceration, and excarnation. Understanding these techniques helps in appreciating how they were used to preserve the remains of King Henry V for 68 days.

Immersion

Immersion, or pickling, as it is often referred to, involved preserving the body in vinegar, honey, or wine. These substances were chosen due to their antibacterial properties, thus slowing the decomposition process. The internal organs were sometimes removed, but not always. This method was less invasive and less expensive, making it a popular choice for many people. However, it was not always successful and could result in unpleasant odors and other issues.

Evisceration

Evisceration, a method derived from ancient Egyptian practices, involved opening the body to remove the organs. The entire body, including the internal cavity, was then washed with water, wine, or vinegar. In some cases, the body was submerged in the liquid for a few hours. As the process continued, deep incisions were made into the body, allowing the insertion of aromatic herbs, spices, and sometimes metals like mercury or lead. These substances were packed into the body to aid in the preservation process. The body was then wrapped in linen, cerecloth, and sometimes a leather body bag, before being placed in a coffin made of lead or wood. This method was more invasive and required more resources, but it was believed to be more effective.

Excarnation

Excarnation involved removing all internal organs, burning or burying them, and then cutting the body into pieces. The body was then placed in a large kettle with aromatic spices, herbs, and other substances and boiled to further preserve it. This method was less common and more controversial due to the human remains being used in this manner.

Preservation of King Henry V

King Henry V met his end in France near the Bois de Vincennes on 31 August 1422. After his death, his body was eviscerated and embalmed. This specific process was one of the few that was successful in the preservation of his remains. The embalming process was meticulous and required skilled artisans to carefully remove the organs and proceed with washing and packing the body with preservatives.

Details of the Process

Before the evisceration process, the body would have been washed and cleaned. The internal organs would have been removed and treated with various preservatives such as herbs, spices, and perhaps metals. The body cavity would then be washed with a solution of wine, vinegar, or a mixture of herbs. After this, deep incisions were made to pack the body cavity with aromatic substances. The body was then wrapped in layers of linen, cerecloth, and sometimes a leather body bag. Finally, it was placed in a coffin made of lead or wood to ensure the preservation process was completed.

Challenges of Embalming

Despite the various methods available, the process of body preservation in the Middle Ages was not without challenges. Exploding coffins, leaky coffins, and the resulting unpleasant odors and other issues were common. The process was also not always successful, and there were cases where the bodies decomposed despite the preservation efforts.

Historical Significance

The preservation of King Henry V's body is an important footnote in medieval history. It highlights the advancements in preservation techniques and the dedication of the craftsmen and artisans who worked to ensure the king's body remained intact for much longer than it would have otherwise.

Conclusion

The preservation of King Henry V's body from August 31, 1422, to November 7, 1422, when he was finally laid to rest at Westminster Abbey, is a testament to the advanced methods of body preservation used in the Middle Ages. Evisceration and embalming were the most common techniques, each with its own advantages and challenges. The process was a labor-intensive and often unsuccessful endeavor, but it provided a means of respecting the dead and honoring the memory of the deceased.

Keywords: King Henry V, Body Preservation, Medieval Embalming, Westminster Abbey

Images: Henry V coronation from his Chantry Chapel, Image 2019 Dean and Chapter of Westminster Heart of Kings: Embalming of Noblemen in Medieval Europe King Richard’s Lionheart Is Entombed Separately From the Rest of His Body, Pinterest