Monument record 9036 - Possible Saxon Charnel Pits and Human Remains, Chester Cathedral

Two cut features of possible Saxon period date were recorded during an archaeological evaluation carried out in the angle formed by the porch and the eastern range of the cloister at Chester cathedral in 2000 (1). Post dating a Roman feature (CHER 8200), but pre-dating the thirteenth century construction of the cloister were two pits. Given the restricted excavation area, the function of these pits was difficult to determine, but as they contained disarticulated human remains including the skulls of two women, among other finds, they may have been charnel pits (but note that they did not contain a large amount of bone) (1). One of the pits was more substantial than the other, contained less bone, and may have been part of a ditch (1). The finds included residual Roman material and one sherd of Chester ware dating to the tenth or eleventh century, in addition to two undated iron hobnails (1). It is possible that if these were charnel pits, they may have been associated with medieval building operations; however, if associated with the construction of the thirteenth century cloister it seems unlikely that the charnel would be buried in a location where further building work was planned.

<1> Chester Archaeology, 2000, Chester Cathedral Song School 2000: Evaluation, R2337 (Client Report). SCH3922.

<2> Beaumont James T, 2001, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 2000 (Article in Journal). SCH5644.

<3> Ward, S. W., 2000, Recent Work at St John the Baptist, Chester's Medieval Cathedral (Article in Journal). SCH6498.

<4> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 2002, Annual Review 2001-2002 (Newsletter). SCH6058.

<5> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 2000, The Past Uncovered (Newsletter). SCH6026.