Grave discoveries in Bishop’s Stortford reveal more about early Anglo-Saxon locals
Archaeologists uncover 10th-century burials in Castle Park, shedding light on Bishop’s Stortford’s ancient past
Two of the 70 graves unearthed last year during the redevelopment of Castle Park in Bishop’s Stortford have been dated to the 10th century, placing them within the Anglo-Saxon period. This discovery, which predates Waytemore Castle by over 100 years, was made by archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) through carbon-14 dating.
East Herts Council is now seeking additional funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to determine whether the remaining graves are from the same period. The burials, found near the remnants of Waytemore Castle, were shallow and some were stacked atop one another. Although no ‘grave goods’ such as jewellery or pottery were found, some burials included stone ‘pillows’, with most graves oriented west to east, suggesting Christian burial practices.
Archaeologists plan to use DNA analysis to explore potential familial relationships and to determine whether these individuals were local to Bishop’s Stortford. This analysis will also provide insights into their lifestyle, diet, and health.
“The dating of these two burials back to the 10th century raises fascinating questions about the development of Bishop’s Stortford,” said Tee Edmonds, Site Supervisor at MOLA. “We are starting to see a pattern of extended human activity associated with Waytemore Castle. We have the spaces where they lived, lit fires, built structures, fenced areas, divided land and disposed of their food waste. We also have the spaces where they were interred. Further digs, analysis of the archaeological remains and dating of the bones will help fill in the gaps we have in the archaeological record of Waytemore Castle.”
Ben Crystall, Leader of East Herts Council, remarked, “It’s going to be fascinating to learn more about the early population and origins of Bishop’s Stortford. The excavations here at Castle Park, together with recent digs at Grange Paddocks and in areas where new housing is being built really highlight the rich history of this part of East Herts.”
In addition to MOLA’s investigations, community excavations conducted by Friends of Castle Park have uncovered further evidence of activity around Waytemore Castle. This includes walls, pits, postholes, and pottery dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. The latest community dig took place this summer.
The area of Castle Park where the burials were found has been backfilled to protect and preserve the site. Plans for landscaping the area have been delayed to allow for further investigations, ensuring that future developments respect the site’s archaeological and historical significance.
The redevelopment of Castle Park is funded by National Lottery players through The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Community Fund. It is being delivered by East Herts Council in partnership with Bishop’s Stortford Town Council, with support from Countryside Management Services.