Photo Source:https://www.buckinghamtoday.co.uk/heritage-and-retro/heritage/anglo-saxon-church-pre-dating-the-norman-era-discovered-in-aylesbury-3374179
A structure believed to be the remains of an over 900 years old Anglo-Saxon church has been discovered in Aylesbury, according to The Buckingham Advertiser
Archaeologists believe their findings show a church structure which has to predate, even the Norman-era.
This hidden, nearly thousand-year-old church, was discovered during the excavation of St Mary’s Old Church, in Stoke Mandeville.
The old church was built back in the 12th century, but new findings suggest an older structure existed beneath it.
LP-Archaeology experts are working on the scene as part of the HS2 project, 40 of them have been excavating and examining the building.
A field museum has been set up, meaning at the weekend visitors can see the remains. Several open days have allowed guests to see the ancient remains, 1,300 people have turned out in total.
An extra open weekend is planned for Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September.
Organisers are promising new displays at the end-of-month event, archaeologists will be on hand to give talks about the history behind the findings.
An HS2 spokesperson said: “The church structure was built on a light grey compacted foundation band laid by the Normans, so any archaeological deposits found below that band would be pre-Norman.
“The team working at St Mary’s discovered flint walls forming a square structure underneath the Norman levels, enclosed by a circular boundary ditch, and a small number of associated burials. Archaeologists believe this to be an Anglo-Saxon church.
“The flint foundations are about 1m wide, which indicates it would have been a tall structure, although its footprint would have been small. The footprint is similar to a standing Saxon Church in Barton-upon-Humber, St Peter’s.”
Another element of the discovery that has excited history buffs is the foundations of the pre-Norman structure have reused Roman roof tiles in them.
Helen Wass, HS2’s head of heritage, said: “Once again, our vast archaeology programme has given us the ability to reveal more about the history of Britain. The discovery of a pre-Norman church in Stoke Mandeville allows us to build a clearer picture of what the landscape of Buckinghamshire would have been like over 1000 years ago.
“All artefacts and human remains uncovered will be treated with dignity, care and respect and our discoveries will be shared with the community through open days and expert lectures. HS2’s archaeology programme seeks to engage with all communities both local and nationally to share the information and knowledge gained as well as leaving a lasting archival and skills legacy.”
