Monument record 3097/2 - Anglo-Saxon cemetery dating to the 7th century, Wakerley

A possible extension to the original cemetery dating to the 7th century.

{1} In 1975, ten burials, dating to the 7th century, were found some 200m to the north-east of the cemetery (which dated to the 6th century).

{2} In 1974 Mr Jackson discovered six more identifiable Anglo-Saxon graves, including two double burials, located 200m to the north-east of the main cemetery. Five of the graves were aligned west-east, with a single grave at the western edge of the group on a north-south alignment. The proximity of these graves to the those of the cemetery make it almost certain that they form an appendix to the original cemetery.Other burials in the area did not contain any objects, but they could have been Saxon. The most easterly of the double graves had a posthole at the head. Neither of the double graves appears to have been re-cut to accommodate the second body and in both cases the bodies were placed side to side, hands touching, without any signs of later disturbance.
The scarcity of objects and the beaded wire-ring necklace both suggest a late date for this group. Necklaces of this type are generally considered to date to the 7th century.

{4} Ten Anglo-Saxon burials of probable 7th century date were discovered during the year. They were situated some 250m from the basically 6th century cemetery excavated in 1968 and 1970.

{7} Two Anglo-Saxon cemetery sites have been exvacated at Wakerley, one of 6th century date and a conversion period one. The latter had its limits established on all sides.

<1> JACKSON D., 1981, Archaeology at an Ironstone Quarry in the Harringworth-Wakerley Area, 1968-79, 16/p. 14-33 (Article). SNN38094.

<2> Adams B.; Jackson D, 1988-9, The Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Wakerley, Northamptonshire: Excavations by Mr D. Jackson 1968-9, 22/p. 69-178 (Article). SNN104537.

<3> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1982, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.194/Site 3 (checked) (Series). SNN77382.

<4> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1975, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1974, p. 163 (Report). SNN41605.

<5> Wilson D.M. (Editor), 1976, The Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon England, (unchecked) (Book). SNN107011.

<6> JACKSON D.A.; AMBROSE T.M., 1978, Excavations at Wakerley in Northants: 1972-75, p. 168 (Article). SNN72933.

<7> Geake, H, 1997, Use of grave goods in conversion period England, c. 600 - c. 850, p. 172 (Monograph). SNN114719.

Record last edited

Feb 7 2025 2:35PM