The Old Church of St Peter and St Paul

In November 2011, whilst excavation work was being carried out for the flood defence wall by the bridge, some skeletons were found. The first picture shows one of the excavated burials and the other shows the excavation work in progress. The burials will be examined by an archaeological specialist. The remains will then be reburied. The Environment Agency will speak to the local church authorities about how and where they would like this to take place. They have a licence from the Ministry of Justice to excavate the remains.

16th November update from the EA Archaeologist:
"The Upton Flood Defence scheme is continuing to produce some interesting archaeological information.

The excavation work in the 19th century burial ground is drawing to a close. Foundations for the new flood defence wall are due to be laid in this area shortly. The footings of the old burial ground wall have been revealed and recorded.

In other areas the excavation of the flood wall foundation trench has exposed a large stone wall, which is almost certainly part of the late 16th century arched bridge. The next phase of foundation excavation, due to commence later in the year is likely to expose more of this structure and should confirm that it is the old bridge.

One interesting find has been a carved stone marker, possibly a former 'Dole Stone' or boundary marker. The stone was found buried beneath a layer of soil deposited in the 19th century and is marked with the letters, or perhaps numerals 'ML'. It may have originally indicated who owned a particular parcel of land.

All of the finds will be analysed by the archaeological contractor. The results of the work will be fed back to the local community in the new year."

Below the pictures is an OS map from 1926 showing the 'new' cemetery