Funerary traditions have changed quite a bit in the United Kingdom since the death of the nation's last Anglo-Saxon monarch, King Harold II, in 1066 (via English Heritage). Harold died on the battlefield and is believed to have been so wounded in battle that only his wife could identify his remains (via The History Jar). William the Conquerer, who became king in December of that year, is said to have not wanted there to be a shrine to honor the fallen Harold and the exact location of his remains are still a mystery. Some speculate that only his heart was buried in Essex.
William the Conqueror claimed Christian control over the English lands that he invaded on behalf of Pope Alexander II (via Christianity.com). He died in Normandy, France, and while attempting a Christian burial of the king, it is said his funeral attendants botched the ceremony in the Abbey of Saint-Étienne (via Berkhamsted Castle). Apparently, his corpse exploded from an effort to shove his body into too small of a coffin, and the church was left with a pungent smell as a result. Historians believe this unfortunate turn of events allowed for looting and desecrating of the remains which might have led to stricter burial practices and/or guidelines (via Historic UK).
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