Roman burials at the Great Chesterford Recreation Ground and Bowling Green (EHER 13916)

A watching brief and archaeological excavation in 1972 recorded two burials: one of a man in a wooden coffin, and another of an adult female.

1972-1973. Watching briefs. During 1972 and 1973 watching briefs were done in two areas of the village recreation ground. Site 2 was at TL 5058 4334. During excavation for a new bowling green in 1972, a mechanical digger extracted human skeletal remains, samian pottery of Flavian date and animal bone. Great Chesterford Archaeology Group subsequently excavated the only remaining undisturbed portion of the site. Two rectangular grave pits and an area of flint (probably from a road or pathway) was pierced by a post hole 0.10m wide x 0.28m deep. Burial 1 comprised a skeleton of a middle-aged man found within a wooden coffin (a stain with iron nails were found). The skeleton was on its back and had a Colchester-type first century brooch on the right clavicle. Burial 2 was that of an adult female, and had been badly damaged by ploughing. <1> Fibula and Samian suggest date of burials as 75-90AD."This is clearly part of a large cemetery close to the temple road". <2> See aerial photograph <3>. Site Assessment: No development anticipated.<2> See also <4>.