Monument record 1156/7 - Probable Late Saxon Cemetery, Ecton Hall

In 1762, in the gardens of Ecton Hall several inhumation burials were found, orientated east-west. Two silver coins were also found, one of Ethelred II

{1} In 1762, in the gardens of Ecton House [NB. Ecton Hall], were found several inhumation burials, orientated east-west. Two silver coins were also found, one of Ethelred II SP830637.

{2} In the gardens of Ecton House, workmen levelling some ground in 1762 discovered several bones and skulls, together with two silver pennies of Aethelred II. R A Smith says that this does not prove the burials to be of that period, as stray coins of earlier and later Saxon periods have been found remote from any interment.

{3} Fieldname: Ecton House.

{5} Finds made in 1762. Saxon inhumations. Skeletons were lying east to west. Found during levelling. Two Saxon coins, (now in Northampton museum) were also probably found in 1762.

{6} The discovery of burials and late Saxon coins in the manor garden in 1672/1762 shows there was activity in this area, close to the manor, well before the Conquest.

{7} Northampton Museum hold the silver pennies of Aethelred from Ecton "found early 19c" no precise siting and no mention is made of adjacent human remains. Despite the discrepancy in date the coins are probably the ones referred to by Authy 1.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.50 Site 21 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> Ryland, W, Adkins, D, and Serjeantson, R M, 1902, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.236 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100368.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP86SW17 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<4> Meaney A.L., 1964, Gazetteer of Early Anglo-Saxon Burial Sites, p.189 (unchecked) (Gazetteer). SNN10289.

<5> Cole J., 1825, The History and Antiquities of Ecton, p.42 (unchecked) (Book). SNN47349.

<6> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.141 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<7> Colquhoun, FD, 1970, Field Investigator's Comments, FDC 10-SEP-70 (Notes). SNN111540.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:59PM