Monument record MLI116168 - Churchyard, Church of St Peter, Lenton
Summary
Churchyard at the Church of St Peter, Lenton. Likely dates to at least the 13th century, when the church it serves was built.
Type and Period (3)
- CHURCHYARD (Medieval to Modern - 1200 AD to 2050 AD)
- GRAVE SLAB (Medieval - 1200 AD to 1299 AD)
- ARTEFACT SCATTER (Medieval to Post Medieval - 1200 AD to 1899 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
The churchyard at the Church of St Peter is depicted on the 2nd edition 25 inch Ordnance Survey County Series map. It likely dates to at least the 13th century, when the church it serves was built (see MLI33791). {1}
A small quantity of disarticulated human bone was identified in June 2009, during archaeological monitoring of the excavation of new soakaways at St Peter's Church. The date of the burials could not be determined, however, and the bone fragments were not retained. {2}{3}
An archaeological excavation was conducted within the churchyard in August 2019, as part of the Heritage Open Days programme of events that year. The investigation was conducted to expose a medieval grave slab that had been previously discovered during path repair works undertaken in 1999. An inscribed cross design had been noted on the slab during its discovery, and a possible connection to the Knights Templar had been suggested at the time. The excavation exposed the full extent of the stone grave slab, and noted the presence of separate head and foot stones at each respective end. Although the grave slab had broken into three pieces, the inscribed design was still clearly visible. The design showed a type of cross known as an alisee pattee, rising from a base of three stone steps, and with an engraved axe to the left and knife to the right of the middle section. This type of design is believed to be of 13th century date, but is not known to have any association with the Knights Templar. The symbology used on the slab is thought to indicate that the grave belonged to a person of some standing in the local community, possibly a knight esquire connected with the local lord of the manor. A small assemblage of redeposited medieval and post-medieval artefacts was also recovered during the excavation, including some disarticulated fragments of human bone and a few sherds of green coated medieval pottery. {4}
A visual inspection of the medieval grave slab was conducted in June 2021, with the protective cover installed at the end of the 2019 excavations being removed to allow more detailed recording. The grave slab is believed to be in situ, and is orientated on an approximate east to west alignment, with the head of the grave at the western end. The slab tapers slightly from the head to the foot, and has a convex upper surface. A discussion of the options for the grave slab's reburial or display was also held to assist its future preservation. {5}
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SLI3566 Map: Ordnance Survey. 1902-06. 25 Inch County Series Map - Second Edition. 1:2500. TF 03 SW.
- <2> SLI13121 Report: Mike Jarvis Archaeological Services. 2010. St Peter's Church, Lenton. MJAS site code: LENA09.
- <3> SLI13122 Archive: Mike Jarvis Archaeological Services. 2010. St Peter's Church, Lenton. LCNCC 2009.16.
- <4> SLI16653 Unpublished Document: Lisa Gerassimov. 2019. Re-Excavation of Possible Templar Grave Slab, Church of St Peter, Lenton. -.
- <5> SLI16948 Report: Lincolnshire County Council. 2021. A Medieval Cross Slab Grave Cover From St Peter's Church, Lenton. -.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred TF 0258 3034 (78m by 67m) Estimated from sources |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | LENTON KEISBY AND OSGODBY, SOUTH KESTEVEN, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Events/Activities (3)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Jan 8 2024 9:02AM
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