More information : [TQ 722 605] Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Eccles villa (TQ 76 SW 10).
Evidence for scattered burials in the ruins of Eccles villa has been
accumulating from the very first season of excavation in 1962. Some
of these were found in the derelict hypocausts of the third bath
building (1), others in the ruined servants quarters of the house
(2), and elsewhere. Only after the excavations in 1970 was it
established that an Anglo-Saxon cemetery existed E of the NE wing of
the villa. (1-3)
In 1972 many more burials were found in this area. The majority of
the inhumations were laid approximately E-W with superimposed
burials, each subsequent inhumation usually badly disturbing the one
below it. Fortunately some of the earliest burials have been provided
with gravegoods (see illustration card) showing that inhumation had
begun duringthe closing years of the pagan Anglo-Saxon period and
continued into christian times. (4)
Anglo-Saxon cemetery, later than cAD 650. A further 70 burials were
uncovered in 1973. (5)
Several new burials were found in 1974 to the SE of the villa. They
were clearly christian. Signs of wooden structure adjacent to the
cemetery and possibly contemporary with it were uncovered. (6)
Excavation of the Anglo-Saxon cemetery was completed in 1975. More
post holes were uncovered adjacent to the cemetery, suggesting the
possibility that a small timber building such as a chapel was
connected with the cemetery. Evidence for an Anglo-Saxon settlement,
necessitated by the excavation of its cemetery on the villa grounds,
is still lacking. It should lie to the E of the area so far examined.
(7)
Details of Anglo-Saxon cemetery and grave goods. (8)
TQ 722 605 Study of a leprous skeleton dated to the second half of
the C7th from the Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Eccles. (9)
Pottery from Aylesford Anglo-Saxon cemetery. (10)
Final season of excavation of Anglo-Saxon cemetery in 1976 exposed
one further inhumation burial. (11)
Hydrocephalus in an Anglo-Saxon child from the cemetery in Eccles. (12)
An Anglo Saxon cemetery which has partially disturbed the eastern end of the earlier villa (TQ 76 SW 10). The cemetery is formed by at least 200 east - west aligned graves containing extended human skeletons. Some later graves were found to have been superimposed upon earlier burials, suggesting that the cemetery was in use over several centuries. Some of the earliest burials were accompanied by grave goods, or artefacts deliberately deposited with the bodies indicating pagan burials during the period AD 450 - AD 600. Towards the south east of the cemetery are a group of post holes which have been interpreted as a shrine, temple or small chapel. Signs of reuse during the medieval period include cesspits and rough cobbling beyond its courtyard boundary wall. Scheduled. (13)
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