Monument record 1018/1 - Possible Medieval Chapel, Chapel Field

Undated inhumations were discovered during the construction of a windmill in around 1730 and interpreted at the time as originating from the graveyard of a medieval chapel, although there is some dispute as to their origins and date

{2} Human bones were found during the erection of a windmill circa 1730 (Mon 1019/1), and a complete skeleton was excavated in the late C18th by the author. Foundations of the chapel are still evident within the consecrated area; stone was carried away c1720 for the turnpike from ground belonging to George Ashby.

{3} Another possible prehistoric or Saxon site is the cemetery mentioned by Mastin {2}. He refers to skeletons being discovered when a windmill was erected in about 1730. He assumed it must be a chapel site, although there is no documentary evidence of such at Naseby. Since the field adjacent to the mound at SP 6862 7716 is called Chapel Field it seems likely that it is Mastin's mill (the name being a back formation because of his interpretation).

{4} An absence of stone footings/gravestones in Mastin's excavations may argue for a post-medieval date; Hall's argument is to some extent contradicted by the presence of 'Chapel Leys' at SP687773 in 1630 {1}, suggesting the name 'chapel' may not be a back formation. That the foundations and burials are generally considered to have come from from Nutcote is probably incorrect; cf 'chapel field' and adjacent windmill (info G Foard 28/5/1980); .

<1> 1630, Map of Naseby, (unchecked) (Map). SNN11627.

<2> MASTIN J., 1792, History and Antiquities of Naseby, (unchecked) (Book). SNN46755.

<3> Hall D. (Editor), 1980, South Midlands Archaeology: CBA Group 9 Newsletter (10), 10/50 (Journal). SNN22466.

Record last edited

Aug 7 2024 12:18PM