Monument record 7430 - Roman Cremation Burials, Stockton Heath Primary School

Excavations carried out in 2007 in advance of the construction of a new school building revealed extensive evidence of Roman occupation and activity, including part of a major Roman road (CHER 436/1/0), timber structures and several oven features (CHER 7429) and three groups of cremation burials (this monument). The cremations date to Phase 2 of the internal site sequence (early to mid second century), and were on the west side of the road.

Cremation group 1 was comprised of three complete vessels; a black burnished ware jar, an embossed jar, and a flagon, with both the latter two of orange fabric. The vessels were placed within a circular pit cut into natural sands. The fill of the black burnished ware jar was found to contain the remains of a single adult (1). Cremation group 2 was 5m southeast of group 1 and was comprised of one complete grey ware jar, containing the remains of an adult, set in a pit cut into natural sand (1). Group 3 was situated 'some distance' to the north, and contained two plough-damaged vessels, a black burnished ware jar and a small grey ware jar or beaker. The black burnished ware jar contained the remains of two individuals, an adolescent and a child. This last group was disturbed by a twentieth century wall foundation that could have impacted other vessels (1).

<1> Dodd L., 2010, Excavation of a Roman roadside settlement at Stockton Heath, Warrington 2007 (Article in Journal). SCH6911.

<2> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2005, Proposed Development at Stockton Heath Primary School, Warrington, R2578 (Client Report). SCH4716.