Archaeologists working to prepare the HS2 route have uncovered almost 900 years of human activity at the overgrown remains of a small church in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire.
Built in 1080AD, old St Mary’s Church suffered numerous renovations and ‘improvements’ over the centuries. But in the 1880s, it was replaced by a newer church closer to the village centre. The old church was therefore abandoned and eventually fell into disrepair. It was finally demolished in 1966 as it was considered a dangerous structure.
But the site sits on the HS2 line, and the overgrown rubble of the old church is being carefully removed and analysed by a team from LP-Archaeology, working with HS2’s enabling works contractor, Fusion-JV.
The 40 archaeologists on site have established that the church’s burial ground had been in use for 900 years; they will now be able to understand how the building had contributed to the local community over nine centuries. Their work comprises a series of archaeological excavations, surveys and building recording. Already, unusual stone carvings, medieval graffiti and other markings have been uncovered.
A statement from HS2 explained: ‘Over the next six months, a dedicated team of archaeologists, assisted by engineers, will remove the remaining structure of the church and excavate all of the individuals buried in the churchyard. Around 3,000 burials are expected. Before work on the burial ground began, a virtual blessing was given by the Bishop of Buckingham. All remains will be reburied in a local spot to be determined by HS2, with a specially created monument to mark the location.’
The discoveries depicting what life was like in Stoke Mandeville over nine centuries will be shared by HS2 in a series of events and expert lectures over the coming months.
