Monument record 8008/0/1 - Probable Roman cremation burial, Delapre Abbey

Archaeological excavation of a probable Roman cremation burial following its discovery during groundworks for a new gas main to the abbey. Three vessels, a glass phial and hairpin fragment were found within a pit, although all had been heavily disturbed. Only a small quantity of uncalcined bone was found.

{1} A group of Roman objects, including three vessels, a glass phial and part of a hair pin, were identified during the excavation of a new gas main. The trench was widened and a small archaeological excavation was undertaken. The group lay together in a single pit and such are likely to represent a deliberate deposit, probably as part of a cremation burial. However, only a small amount of unidentifiable, uncalcined bone was present; unfortunately there had been significant modern disturbance and any other remains had been lost. A further pit was also identified to the south but did not contain any finds.

<1> Soden, I and Prentice, J. with a contribution by Meadows, I, 2019, Archaeological monitoring, excavation, building recording and analysis at Delapre Abbey, Northampton 2014-19, p. 12-16 (Report). SNN111408.

Record last edited

Feb 25 2025 8:13PM