Monument record 179/1/3 - Burials at Churchyardside, St. Mary's Church

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, No.10 p.63-4 Williams S R 1985 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

The strip of land now occupied by the footpath or pavement on the south side of Churchyardside was part of St.Mary's burial ground until 1878. On the 14th November of that year, a faculty was granted for the widening of Churchyardside, there having been no interments there since 1849. The ground had been officially disused by Order in Council since 1855. However, under the terms of the faculty, the strip of land taken into Churchyardside remained consecrated ground and was to be used only as a footpath.

Disarticulated human bones were discovered, on 24 May 1982, at a depth of 50-100 cms, during pipe-laying work in Churchyardside. On 11 April 1983, employees of the North West Water Authority, laying a new water main, uncovered three lead coffins. Two of the coffins, found together, are assumed to belong to Elizabeth and William Lockett. The third coffin, battered and not insitu, is believed to be medieval.

The alleged find of oak coffins "next to the Conservative Club" suggests that the burial ground may have been once more extensive. (See source 3).

<2> Various, Various, Oral communication to the HER, Nantwich Police 1994 (Oral Communication). SCH2330.

Cable-laying operations by BT in June 1994 in connection with the rebuilding of the Conservative and Working Men's Club revealed human bones and the remains of a wooden coffin(s) which would support earlier reports. Left 'in situ'.

<3> Simpson F, 1925, Miscellanea: Mediaeval Oak Coffins at Nantwich (Article in Journal). SCH6693.

In January 1925, during the cutting of a trench for water mains in Churchyardside, workmen discovered six skulls, portions of a coffin and a whole coffin containing a ‘perfect skeleton’. The coffin was fashioned from a hollowed out oak truck with an oak plank for a lid. The side of the coffin tapered at the foot and there was a circular cavity for the head. It was 6’ 11” long and between 1’ 3” and 11” wide. It was 7 ½” deep. The circular cavity showed tool marks approximately 1” wide. In the lid of the coffin were four nails. The coffin contained the body of a male with a pointed three foot hazel stick either side of the body, which appeared to have been wrapped in a shroud. In addition wooden and ceramic water pipes were found. The former attributed to works by William Sands in 1584. The second partial coffin was of a similar design and length, but wider at the shoulders (1’ 9”). It also had a hole in the base near the foot to act as a drain. The design of the coffins suggest a thirteenth century date.

Three burials from St Werburgh’s in Chester were found with hazel sticks or wands. In these instances the coffins were made of stone, but are of a similar design. The rods may be for protection from witchcraft of malign spirits. Alternatively they may indicate those who have done penance in their lifetime and are symbols of penance, absolution and indulgence.