THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has announced it is set to continue exploration of an archaeological site in Cookham.
Excavation of land belonging to Holy Trinity Church is to begin once again following years of work at a site near Maidenhead.
Land belonging to the church features rare, well-preserved remains of a monastery dating back to the 8th-9th Century.
The site was first discovered by staff from the university’s Archaeology Department in 2021, since which it has seen digs in 2022 and 2023.
The monastery was led by Queen Cynethryth, who ruled the kingdom of Mercia with her husband King Offa in the late 8th century.
Among the major discoveries made at the site was a cemetery containing the remains of more than 50 individuals from three generations.
The site has also seen the discovery of a large timber structure which is thought to have been one of the monastery’s main communal buildings.
A potential watermill was also found close to the River Thames, as well as a well with a preserved, wooden-barrel-lined shaft containing wooden artefacts.
The cemetery is now tipped to be excavated again in hopes of uncovering more information about how those buried there lived and died.
The dig will also see community involvement through its site tours which will be open to the public, including schools and organisations.
Professor Gabor Thomas, of the University of Reading and leader of the excavation work, said: “The discoveries we have made at Cookham reinforce the national significance of this site.
“Our excavations have begun to paint a detailed picture of the layout and social conditions of the monastery, but there is still a huge amount more to discover.
“2024’s dig involves further exploration of site’s cemetery; preliminary indications from excavation of the cemetery suggest that individuals were receiving medical care at the monastery.”
Father Stephen Mills, Vicar of the Benefice of The Cookhams, said: “The initiative to make archaeology accessible to everyone is truly inspiring.
“From the perspective of Holy Trinity Church, this project not only makes archaeology accessible for the general public but also invites numerous visitors into our ancient church.”
The excavations are set to run from 9am-5pm from Monday, August 5, to Saturday, August 31, and are by the kind permission of and in collaboration with Holy Trinity Church.
Tickets are available via: ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/cookham/parish-centre
