Bronze Age Beaker burial at Berden Wesleyan Chapel, Berden (EHER 3863)

Findspot of a Bronze Age inhumation burial accompanied by a Developed Southern beaker. It was discovered whilst excavating a trench for the foundations of a Wesleyan Chapel in 1907.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Bronze age beaker burial found in 1907 under main entrance of chapel. Inhumation burial with 'A' type beaker found by workmen in digging foundations for Wesleyan Chapel. A metal bangle or armlet was found with the skeleton which was found 18" down lying at full length on its back (i.e. extended). The metal ring left a green stain on the bone according to workmen and was therefore of copper or bronze. The bones were mainly lost, the bangle was sold and taken out of the parish. Beaker fragments and what was left of the bone were given to Saffron Walden Museum. The beaker was coloured light buff, changing to pale red in places. The paste was fine and slightly sandy. Decorated with bar-chevron in plain zig-zag bands with open lozenges on a dotted ground. <1> - <3> The metal bangle was near the wrist of the left arm. The beaker is classified as a 'developed southern beaker, western funnel-necked variant' by D.L. Clarke. In 1968 the site was examined by the OS but there was no evidence of a barrow. Site Assessment = Check relevant museums for accession numbers, further details etc. <4> - <7> 1950. Field survey An inhumation burial, accompanied by an 'A' type beaker, richly decorated, and having a metal bangle, probably of copper or bronze,, near the wrist of the left arm. The burial was discovered whilst excavating a trench for the wall footings of the new Wesleyan chapel, in 1907, adjoining the Clavering Pond at Berden, beneath what is now the main door of the chapel, at a depth of about 18 inches below the surface. The site was examined by the workers in 1918 and there was then, no evidence of a barrow. Fragments of the beaker were given to Saffron Walden Museum but the bangle had been disposed of. Sited by M.R. Hull and confirmed by G.W. Ridyard. <8> <9>