FOR the past three years, archaeologists, involving more than
200 local volunteers, have been excavating around the west end of
Polesworth Abbey, in the north of Birmingham
diocese. "The abbey is thought to have been founded as long ago as
827," the Vicar of Polesworth, the Revd Philip Wells, says, "but
the excavations last year left us wondering if the foundation might
be quite a lot earlier."
There have been some significant finds - not only medieval
floor-tiles, but also Saxon jewellery; and, in September last year,
the diggers "came face to face with ancestors who were buried in a
forgotten area of the churchyard many centuries ago". There was
evidence of Saxon dwellings, and as Saxons would not have built on
known burial places, the remains could be from much earlier, even
the Roman occupation.
They are now awaiting the result of radio-carbon tests to
determine whether the bones are from the ninth, tenth, or 11th
centuries. Meanwhile, these early ancestors have been laid to rest
for a second time. On the Polesworth website
(www.digtheabbey.co.uk), there is a video of the moving reburial
ceremony.
A line of parishioners processed into the church carrying large
boxes, draped in purple cloth, and laid them on tables at the front
of the nave. To the sound of music, the bones were blessed with
holy water and incense, and sonorous words from the funeral service
were read over them before the boxes were carried out again to the
churchyard. The choir sang the hymn "May flights of angels lead you
on your way," as the boxes were placed in a large grave. Then
everyone took turns in filling it in.
Flowers were placed on it, and there is now a rota of people to
ensure that flowers will always be put on the grave. The abbey is
currently waiting for the results of the radio-carbon dating. When
they eventually come, Mr Wells says, the abbey will ask the
Chancellor of the diocese for permission to erect a memorial, which
will probably include some of the worked stones uncovered in the
dig.