Saxon remains unearthed (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Saxon remains unearthed

ARCHAEOLOGISTS busy digging at a churchyard in Cricklade have unearthed some Saxon artefacts.

The team of three, from Border Archaeology in Herefordshire, have spent the last couple of weeks creating a 750mm deep trench in St Sampson's Churchyard.

The trench will be used for a foul water pipe, necessary for a toilet and small kitchen being installed in the church.

Managing director of Border Archaeology, Neil Shurety, said: "So far we have found a Saxon handle and some pottery. We are hoping to find more Saxon evidence.

"During Victorian times when the church was remodelled a Roman stone tomb known as Sarcophagi was found. This site is hugely significant in that sense.

"Beyond that we are carefully excavating."

The Saxon handle is believed to be a jug handle, made around 800 or 900AD.

It is hoped that any important artefacts discovered will be given to the Cricklade Museum.

The church is on the site of an 8th or 9th century Saxon minster and some Cricklade residents believe there may also be Roman remains underneath.

The South Aisle Project was due to start last year but had to be delayed because of a bat roost in the church.

Church warden John Hickman says the improvements to the church, which include removing eight pews and lowering the raised platform they are on to enable wheelchair access, will make the church more accessible to a wider group of people and help to bring it into the modern era.

This will cost around £60,000.

Hills Waste donated £40,000 through the landfill tax credit scheme. The project still needs another £25,000, and any donations would be welcome.

Special envelopes are available at the town council offices and the church to allow people to 'gift aid' their donation, if they are a UK taxpayer.

Donations can be sent to the Vicarage, 3 Ockwells, Cricklade, SN6 6ED, or put through the letterbox at 83/84 The High Street.