Thousands of bodies to be moved from medieval church site on HS2 line

Archaeologists will move thousands of bodies from the site of a medieval church that lies along the route of the HS2 railway.

The remains of St Mary’s Church in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, built in the 11th century, are being carefully excavated to allow work on the high speed line to continue.

HS2 says all artefacts and human remains that are removed will be treated with “dignity, care and respect,” and that the work will “shine a light” on almost 900 years of history at the site.

All discovered remains will 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 archaeologists from LP Archaeology, who are being assisted by engineers from HS2’s enabling works contractor, Fusion-JV.

• HS2 diggers return but can debt-ridden UK really afford to restart controversial high-speed project?

• HS2 bosses accused of being ‘blindsided by contact with reality’

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 the community of Stoke Mandeville.

The final phase of excavations at the site began in February 2021.

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.”