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Helmingham Church, Suffolk, 1864. Creator: Unknown
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Helmingham Church, Suffolk, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Helmingham Church, Suffolk, 1864. '...the present Rector, [Rev. George Cardew] fancying he could perceive everywhere traces of very early occupation, determined to prove the point by excavation. The result has verified his conjectures: wherever he has dug he has found ancient remains, embracing a wide period, from the flint spear-head of the early Briton to the Bellermine pottery of Henry and Elizabeth...It is the traces of Roman occupation, however, which are most numerous. Unmistakable signs of the presence of this people have been found in almost every excavation; and the countless fragments of their pottery...[and] heaps of oyster- shells, prove that it was not a single family, but a considerable population, that in those early times occupied the spot. Some Romans of rank and position must also have been here...Helmingham Church having evidently been built on some sacred spot of the heathen, as was frequently the case with early Christian churches. That these ancient remains were not previously discovered or noticed is very surprising; for - to say nothing of them very shallow depth - one rector had built a summer-house in and over four of the graves, and another planted a hedge of laurels in the very midst of a row of skeletons!'. From "Illustrated London News", 1864
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print of Helmingham Church in Suffolk, taken in 1864, offers a glimpse into the rich history and archaeological discoveries surrounding this ancient site. The present Rector at the time, Rev. George Cardew, embarked on excavations to uncover traces of early occupation, leading to remarkable findings that spanned from the flint spear-heads of early Britons to Bellermine pottery from the Henry and Elizabeth eras.
The most prevalent discoveries were those indicating Roman occupation, with unmistakable signs found in almost every excavation. Fragments of Roman pottery and heaps of oyster shells point towards a significant population residing here during ancient times. It is believed that some Romans of high status also dwelled within this area.
Interestingly, it was noted that Helmingham Church was constructed upon a sacred location once frequented by pagans - a common occurrence for early Christian churches. Despite the historical significance of these finds, previous rectors had unknowingly built structures over graves or planted hedges amidst rows of skeletons.
This print serves as a testament to the enduring legacy and layers of history embedded within Helmingham Church and its surroundings, shedding light on centuries-old civilizations that once thrived in this very spot.
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