Monument record 53/1 - Possible Saxon Burial(s)

Inhumations were found in the 19th century by the road to Bicester. Date unknown, but considered most likely to be Saxon

{1} Inhumations near the parish boundary with Souldern, south of Aynho Park. Found in the early C19th by the road to Bicester.

{2} Specifically mentions a skeleton 'lying at full length…' Probably the inhumation found in "the hill between Aynho and Souldern".

{3} "Similar discoveries (to crouched burial SP 53 SW 3) have recently been made in the same direction by the side of the road to Bicester' {1}- probably the skeleton reported as 'lying at full length - discovered at the declivity of the hill between Aynho and Souldern' {2} (SP 524323)" ? Inhumation Burial.Possibly Saxon.

{4} The burial is probably prehistoric rather than Saxon.

{5} RCHME give ngr as SP521323.

{6} The burial referred to by Meaney (ie 53 SW 3) is more probably prehistoric than DA, and there seems little similarity between a crouched inhumation in a cist and an extended inhumation in a grave. In neither case have grave goods been recorded. No further siting evidence.

<1> Baker G., 1830, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.558 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77327.

<2> Beesley J., 1841, History of Banbury, p.37 (unchecked) (Book). SNN280.

<3> Meaney A.L., 1964, Gazetteer of Early Anglo-Saxon Burial Sites, p.186 (unchecked) (Gazetteer). SNN10289.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP53NW12 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<5> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.12 site 3 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<6> Baird, J., 1970, Field investigators comments, F1 JB 09-FEB-70 (Notes). SNN110341.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 8:21PM