Lost Cemetery, Old Police Station, Market Place, Masham, N Yorks, UK
Posted by: 
bill&ben
N 54° 13.335 W 001° 39.358
30U E 587628 N 6009083
A blue plaque marking the uncovering of an ancient cemetery on the spot.
Waymark Code: WMVW5E
Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 06/02/2017
Views: 3
Skeletons have been found in the Market Square since the 1930s. When water pipes were being laid in 1988 a proper archaeological excavation took place by the North Yorkshire County Council’s Archaeological unit. Eventually 58 individuals were exhumed. Radio carbon dating placed the remains in the period 679 AD to 1011 AD. The orientation of the remains indicates a Christian burial site.
The plaque reads
“MASHAM’S LOST CEMETERY
In 1988 and 1989, remains of 58 skeletons were discovered in this area while building work was being undertaken and water pipes laid. These were Anglo-Scandinavian Christian burials. The remains have been dated to the period between 679 and 1011 AD. The skeletons are now reburied in Masham Churchyard.”