Monument record 5482/1 - Probable Saxon Cemetery

Traces of an Anglo-Saxon inhumation and cremation cemetery were found on a new housing estate in Towcester in 1992. Two inhumations and cremations were discovered. Metalwork suggests a 6th century date.

{1} Metal detecting finds found in 1992 from house foundations. Finds included human bone and an Anglo-Saxon saucer brooch and a small long brooch. Subsequently, a minor rescue excavation was undertaken in July 1992 by G. Cadman; a small quantity of cremated bone was found in the base of an Anglo-Saxon pot; topsoil stripping revelaed more cremated bone and parts of two articulated human skeletons; a small iron blade was found under one burial.

{2} Grid reference refined to SP68393 48433

{3} A Saxon cemetery and significant occupation was identified approximately 170m to the south of the development site, along the River Tove valley. This suggests that occupation may have moved away from the Roman town by the early C6th AD.

<1> Cadman, G., 1992, SMR Report Form, (checked) (SMR Report Form). SNN50145.

<2> Cadman, G., 2013, Belle Baulk Farm 1992, (checked) (Letter). SNN109386.

<3> Havard T., 2010, Belle Baulk, Towcester, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Evaluation (Report). SNN108051.

<4> Pike, A (ed), 1993, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (23), p. 43 (Journal). SNN100612.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:28PM