York Historic Environment Record

Archaeological evaluations were undertaken at the site of Church Cottage in Wheldrake prior to a programme of internal and external alterations and the construction of an extension. A minimal photographic record of the late 18th century east facing elevation of the cottage was undertaken to preserve an image of the cottage prior to its 21st century extension. Ground preparation for the extension involved the displacement of a single gravestone belonging to the Beilby Family. This stone is to be replaced and repositioned within the churchyard. Ground excavations revealed the presence of eleven burials and one possible cremation at 0.75m below ground level or >14.08m <14.20m AOD. The burials were not excavated and were preserved in situ. The disarticulated human bone was retained and assessed. The minimum number of individuals represented by the bone assemblage numbered six, most being adult, with a small amount indicating younger adults and children, including one perinate. Some illness was noted in the bones, such as degeneration in joints, whereas dental assessment was suggestive of poor oral hygiene or protein rich diets and childhood stress.