More remains uncovered at medieval 'execution' site

21 December 2025

Tony FisherBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

News image — Twenty-six skeletons were found with their hands tied behind their backs at the site in Buckingham

Network Archaeology About five skeletons buried in the ground lying close to one another. There are markings in the corners which have probably been put there by archaeologists working on the site. — Twenty-six skeletons were found with their hands tied behind their backs at the site in Buckingham

More than 70 bodies have now been uncovered at a medieval cemetery used for executed criminals, archaeologists say.

The remains of about 40 men and boys, dating back to at least the 13th Century, were first discovered at West End Farm, on Brackley Road in Buckingham in 2018.

Archaeologists uncovered the find when work was being carried out ahead of a development.

Peter Strachan, councillor for planning and regeneration at Buckinghamshire Council, said that the "discovery of what is likely a medieval execution burial ground offers a rare glimpse" into the county's past.

An empty field which has clearly been excavated several feet down. There are trees on the right, grass in the foreground and another field and more trees in the background. — The archaeology team at Buckinghamshire Council liaised with contractors and monitored fieldwork, advised on next steps, and approved excavation reports at the site

Buckinghamshire Council said the latest report confirmed that at least 73 individual bodies have been found across 34 graves.

No clear order or layout has been discovered with most burials laid in a traditional east-west position.

Twenty-six skeletons were found with their hands tied behind their backs.

The burials were predominantly of adult males, with some juveniles and adolescents, but no females were identified.

Further analysis revealed signs of childhood stress, healed fractures, and diseases such as tuberculosis.

Only a small number of artefacts were found at the site, suggesting valuables were removed before burial.

Two buckles were recovered, one dating to the late Roman period and one dating to the post-medieval period.

Carbon dating of one skeleton provided a date in the late 13th Century, according to Buckinghamshire Council's archaeology team.

It said that the unusual layout, lack of grave goods, and evidence of bound hands strongly suggested the site was an execution cemetery - a rare type of burial ground historically used for criminals.

These sites, often located on parish boundaries, represent a marginalised sector of medieval society.

Post-excavation analysis will now be undertaken and the results published to ensure a proper record of the discovery is made.

Further research will continue to enhance understanding of the site, the individuals buried there, and life in Buckinghamshire during the Saxon and medieval periods.

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