Archaeologists excavating a monastery in Cookham have uncovered 20 additional intact human burials, along with the disturbed remains of many others.

These findings build on the discovery of 50 human remains in 2023, further supporting the theory that the monastery provided care for the ill and dying.

Since the beginning of August, archaeologists from the University of Reading have been excavating the site, unearthing new secrets from over a millennium ago.

The dig is led by Professor Gabor Thomas, Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology at the University of Reading. He commented, “There appears to be a high prevalence of disease and healed injuries in the disturbed bones that were redeposited in later graves, as well as in the intact burials.

Parts of the cemetery were heavily used, with burials intercutting each other, resulting in the disturbance of skeletal material that was then placed back into subsequent graves. This indicates that individuals received medical attention and care at the monastery over successive generations.”

Professor Thomas added, “Our discoveries highlight the importance of Anglo-Saxon monasteries as centers of healing and medical care. While contemporary historical sources offer some insight into this role, Cookham is one of the first archaeological sites to provide detailed physical evidence of the range of diseases involved and the medical care provided by monastic communities.”

In addition to the newly uncovered burials, University staff, students, and local volunteers have also made several significant finds.

They completed the excavation of a 9th-century well, first discovered in 2023, recovering several preserved wooden objects from the bottom, including a rare lathe-turned wooden bowl. Further excavation of a deep ditch near the River Thames revealed a preserved timber lining at the base, confirming it as a leat for a watermill.

Additionally, more timber buildings were unearthed within the domestic quarters of the monastery.

The University of Reading’s Department of Archaeology, which began excavations at Cookham in 2021, will continue its work in 2025.

The excavations, conducted with the kind permission and collaboration of Holy Trinity Church, Cookham, will conclude on Saturday, 31 August.

The final tours of the site will take place on Friday, 30 August, and can be booked via Ticket Source.

Over the past four weeks, the site has hosted tours for schools, local politicians, and community clubs. A multi-faith group will visit on Saturday, 31 August, to conclude this year’s excavations.

The group includes representatives from Holy Trinity Church Cookham, The Maidenhead Gurdwara, The Maidenhead Mosque, Taplow Court, Cookham Methodist Church, Slough Refugee Support, and other faith communities. Attendees will join Father Stephen Mills, Vicar of the Benefice of The Cookhams, for a blessing of the graves.