News on HS2 in Bucks & Oxfordshire

We would like to invite you to our field museum at St Mary’s Church in Stoke Mandeville, Buckinghamshire, where you will be able to discover how archaeologists have started to unlock almost 900 years of history.

The St Mary’s site is unique and we are providing a rare opportunity to excavate and understand the history of this building, how its use and meaning changed over time and what it meant to the community of Stoke Mandeville. The burial ground at St Mary’s was in use for 900 years, with the last recorded interment in 1908. The team of 40 archaeologists working on the site will be able to construct a picture of the role of St Mary’s in the local community from its construction in the 11th Century through to its decline in the late 19th Century.

The St. Mary’s Field Museum will open to the public on the weekend of 29th and 30th May, and at regular dates throughout the summer .

Inside a specially constructed tent the size of a football pitch, archaeologists working on behalf of HS2 are currently excavating the remains of the former parish church of St. Mary the Virgin as part of a once-in-a-generation opportunity to learn more about the ruins of a medieval church and churchyard.

Inside the museum you will be able to ascend the viewing platform for a bird’s eye view of ongoing excavations, as well as watch displays, films and interactives exploring the history of St. Mary’s church and the amazing archaeological discoveries in the surrounding area. Our experts will also be available to answer any questions you may have.

Tickets will be available to book from 17 May and booking will close at 10am on Friday 28 May .

When tickets become available, please choose your arrival time from the following time slots when completing the booking form. These time slots are available on Saturday 29 May and Sunday 30 May.

Detailed joining instructions including our Health and Safety statement will be sent to all registered attendees closer to the time.

In 2018 LP-Archaeology began initial work and a comprehensive series of archaeological excavations, surveys, and building recording has followed, revealing well preserved walls and structural features of the church. Last year we revealed that unusual stone carvings, medieval graffiti and other markings had been found, with questions raised as to whether they were sun dials or witching marks.

Earlier this year works began on the final phase of excavations at the site. A large “tent” structure was constructed over the whole church and churchyard to protect it from the elements and provide a stable environment for the excavations to take place. This covering also helps the archaeologists give those people buried there the dignity, care and respect they deserve.

Over the next six months, a dedicated team of archaeologists, assisted by engineers, will remove the remaining structure of the church and excavate all of the individuals buried in the churchyard. All artefacts and human remains uncovered will be treated with dignity, care and respect and our discoveries and stories of what life was like in Stoke Mandeville over a 900-year period will be shared with the community through open days and expert lectures.

More information is available on our dedicated St Mary's Church webpage .

If you have a question about HS2 or our works, please contact our HS2 Helpdesk team on 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk