The photo above shows the the state of the ruins of the Old St Mary's Church in Stoke Mandeville.
The church was built in the 12th century and abandoned in the 19th when the new church was built. It was destroyed in the 1960s as it was no longer safe, the ruins and old graves stones are open to the public. The site was de-consecrated in 1993.
Unfortunately, the route of HS2 will go through the middle of the site. HS2 archaeological teams are currently working on clearing the site and researching the remains that are being exhumed. Once the work has finished the remains will be reburied in the Stoke Mandeville parish, the exact location has yet to be agreed.
The photo below is a representation of how the church originally looked.
On Saturday afternoon we visited the Archaeological Open Day that happens on some weekends so the public can see the excavations. The photo below shows the work underway. There are apparently 3000 burials there.
The exhibition of finds was interesting and the viewing platform was excellent. It was all very impressive. This is the exterior view of the massive temporary structure required to allow the work to progress in the very best way.
There are videos on YouTube such as the one below.
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