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Stoke Mandeville: Research and Geophysics

PART OF THE HS2 HISTORIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT

The county council's ‘Blueprint for HS2’ has suggested that the old church ruins and site of the former medieval village of Stoke Mandeville is ‘one of the most archaeologically important [sites] along the entire phase 1 route’ of HS2 between London and Birmingham.

At the same time changes to the design of the Stoke Mandeville section of the line now guaranteed that the site would be totally obliterated if construction of HS2 goes ahead – see additional sidings at Stoke Mandeville.

So investigations into the site of the deserted village were a priority for society members during 2013: Members of the society's Documentary Research Group undertook the transcription of Wills of former residents of Stoke Mandeville to see whether these might produce information about the shape of the village before its desertion. A 3-day geophysical resistivity survey of the outer enclosure surrounding the old churchyard was carried out by members of the society's new Active Archaeology Group. It is hoped that results may reveal buried indications of former buildings around the church.
		Gravestones at Stoke Mandeville old church. There could have been more than 3,000 burials there since medieval times.

• Former society Chair Mike Farley addressed the issue of burials in the old churchyard, which may have been in continuous use for 700 years. If so, this would be of unique national importance as the most complete parish community ever to be excavated.

The information produced by these activities was being analysed at the end of 2013. So watch this page for future results...