HS2 sharing centuries of history found at Buckinghamshire site
Old St Mary's church lies on the railway route
HS2 Archaeologists are sharing their findings from a Buckinghamshire site.
Discoveries made by HS2's archaeology team working at Old St Mary's Church in Stoke Mandeville are being shared.
The site is being carefully removed by a team from LP-Archaeology, working with HS2's enabling works contractor, Fusion-JV.
Built in 1080AD, shortly after the Norman conquest it was renovated in the 13th, 14th and 17th century.
After the construction of a new church closer to the centre of the village in the 1880s the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
Dr. Rachel Wood, Project Archaeologist for Fusion JV, said:
“The excavation of the medieval church at St Mary’s will offer real insight into what life was like in Stoke Mandeville for over nine centuries. Those buried there will be remembered once again and the lives they lived over 900 years understood.
"The best way to honour the dead is to understand their stories and how they lived their lives. Ultimately, this is what the works at the site of Old St Mary’s church will do, providing a lasting legacy to the present community of Stoke Mandeville.
"We are hoping to have a field museum event to show people what we have found and share the history of the area.”
Helen Wass, Head of Heritage for HS2 Ltd said:
“HS2’s unparalleled archaeological programme is well underway and the start of works at St Mary’s offers an exceptional opportunity for archaeologists to uncover and shine a light on what life was like for the community of Stoke Mandeville over such a timespan.
“All artefacts and human remains uncovered will be treated with dignity, care and respect and our discoveries will be shared with the community through open days and expert lectures.
"HS2’s archaeology programme seeks to engage with all communities both local and nationally to share the information and knowledge gained as well as leaving a lasting archival and skills legacy.”