Monument record 3762/1/1 - Probable Romano-British & Saxon cemetery

Pre-Norman inhumation graveyard of two periods found beneath the lowest levels of the Norman churchyard. At least 20 stone cists, oriented east-west were found during repair work to the church in the mid-19th century. Further burials, not placed in a cist, may have been later and included a decapitated example. It is thought that most are Saxon, but others may be Roman.

{1} Some twenty cists containing inhumations, and consisting of rough slabs of stone, were found during repair and drainage work, beneath the church and in the churchyard at Pytchley (SP 86017478). They were below the depth of the deepest modern grave. Other common graves were found (above the cists but earlier than the Norman church) including one containing the skeleton of a beheaded person. Some were merely excavations covered by stone slabs. Generally the burials were oriented with feet to the east and lying on the right side, with arms crossed and no grave goods.

Foundations, gravelled walks and a path paved with pebbles were also noted in the churchyard, suggesting a properly laid out burial ground of pre-Norman date.

Finds included many Norman coins, a few defaced late Roman copper coins and fragments of coarse Roman and "British" pottery. A rude perforated amethyst was found in or near a cist.

The conclusion was that the burials were of two periods, both pre-Norman, as the soil had consolidated enough to take the Norman church foundations. The earlier cist burials were thought to be Roman.

{2} Features found under the present church and churchyard. During repair work in the C19th some 20 inhumations in stone cists were found, associated with some late Roman coins and fragments of Romano-British pottery. The burials were therefore probably Roman, but underlay a series of burials said to be of Saxon date.

{3} Foundations and a gravel path were also noted indicating a pre-Norman layout. These accompanied finds of Roman coins and pot sherds, along with medieval coins and a perforated amethyst.

{4} No information as to the exact siting or whereabouts of the finds could be traced.

<1> Brown, A W B, Rev, 1847, On some British Kistvaens (stone coffins) under the present churchyard of Pytchley, Northamptonshire, p.105-115 (unchecked) (Journal). SNN31238.

<2> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.123/Site 5 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP87SE26 (unchecked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Baird, J, 1969, Field Investigators Comments, F1 JB 03-DEC-1969 (Note). SNN111452.

Record last edited

Feb 26 2025 7:52PM