Thousands of bodies dug up to make way for HS2
THOUSANDS of bodies are to be removed from the site of a medieval church that lies along the route of the HS2 railway.
The remains from the 11th century St Mary’s are being carefully excavated by archaeologists to allow work on the high-speed line to continue.
They insist that all artefacts and human remains that are removed will be treated with “dignity, care and respect,” and the work will “shine a light” on 900 years of history at the site in Stoke Mandeville, Bucks.
They are to be reburied in a local spot to be determined by HS2, with a specially created monument to mark the location.
About 3,000 burials are expected to be unearthed by staff from LP Archaeology, who are being assisted by engineers from HS2’s contractor, Fusion-JV.
Archaeologist Rachel Wood, said: “Those buried there will be remembered once again and the lives they lived over 900 years understood.”
Before work on the burial ground began, a virtual blessing was given by the Bishop of Buckingham.
The church was built in 1080, shortly after the Norman conquest, and was renovated in the 13th, 14th and 17th centuries. Several extensions were added including the brick bell tower.
The burial ground at St Mary’s was in use for 900 years, with the last recorded interment in 1908
The building was abandoned and eventually demolished, leaving a pile of rubble that became overgrown with vegetation and less visible to the public.
HS2 says the St Mary’s site is “unique” and the scheme is providing “a rare opportunity to excavate and understand the history of this building and how its use and meaning changed over time” in Stoke Mandeville.
The final phase of excavations began in February 2021. Helen Wass, of HS2, said: “The work at St Mary’s offers an exceptional opportunity 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 to share the information and knowledge gained as well as leaving a lasting archival and skills legacy.”