Possible site of St Peter's Anglo-Saxon Minster, St Osyth (EHER 2417)

The site of the present day parish church of St Peter and St Paul is thought by some to be the most likely location for the site of St Peter's Minster, the burial place of the Anglo-Saxon Saint Osyth, after whom the parish takes its name. St Peter's Minster is mentioned in mid-11th century documents, and St Osyth is believed to have retired to 'Clic' (the former placename for St Osyth) to found a nunnery, becoming an abbess.

According to <1> there is no reason to doubt this as the site of St Peter's minster, mentioned in a document of around 1050 or earlier, and which was the burial place of St Osyth herself (although whether she lived in the 7th or 9th century is uncertain). This source states that clearly there is a major Anglo-Saxon building to find here and no opportunity to investigate the fabric or the below-ground archaeology of the present church should be overlooked. Part of the north transept is believed to lie in the graveyard, beyond the present north aisle, while the line of the west wall of the same transept is probably reflected by the distinct ridge across the floor inside. <1> <2> St Osyth was the daughter of a Surrey 'subregulus' and was betrothed to Sigehere, king of the East Saxons. Owing to a vow of perpetual virginity the marriage was not consummated. St Osyth retired to 'Cicc' (old placename for St Osyth) and founded a nunnery, becoming an abbess <3> Site Assessment: "Clearly there is a major Anglo-Saxon building to find here and no opportunity to investigate the fabric or the below-ground archaeology of the present church should be overlooked" <1>