Monument record MDR22801 - Early medieval cemetery (possible site of), Castleton

Through the discoveries made by the University of Sheffield and Castleton Historical Society project whilst excavating test pits and trenches around the village between 2012-2016, and through the use of historical reports of groundworks disturbing human burials, a picture is being built up of an early medieval cemetery on a river terrace to the north and west of Peakshole Water. Both the radiocarbon dates from the human remains and the form of their burial where they have been found in situ suggests we are dealing with an early medieval Christian cemetery. With the limited evidence currently available, the extent of cemetery is not known nor the length of time of its use. Nevertheless this is a highly significant archaeological discovery, and is of least regional significance (it would be unique in the Peak District) and potentially of national significance (depending on its nature, level of preservation etc). No test pitting has taken place within the car park, but the fact that the area has remained open, and undeveloped except as a car park, could mean that beyond the limited surface level of disturbance from car park creation, the well preserved remains of an early medieval burial ground may survive. (1) The polygon was mapped using the extent of current known burials / osteological finds in the area, as indicated by Authority 2. (2)