Research into Cookham Anglo-Saxon monastery receives six-figure funding boost

Research into an Anglo-Saxon monastery in Cookham has received a major funding boost through a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Cookham Abbey, a monastery ruled by Mercian Queen Cynethryth 1,200 years ago, has been buried under a field in the village since it was abandoned towards the end of the 9th century.

Archaeologists from the University of Reading have been excavating the site since 2021, with the support of Holy Trinity Church.

Through their work, the team has discovered a variety of artefacts as well as a watermill and dozens of burials from a monastic cemetery.

Last year, the excavations were featured on UK news coverage and on Sandi Toksvig’s Hidden Wonder documentary series, where the presenter explored the ruins of the Abbey and its discoveries.

The grant of £249,755 is set to be partly used for a new three-year project, entitled Cookham Abbey Connects.

The project will enable more research and interpretation of the Abbey site, based on ongoing excavations by the University’s Department of Archaeology.

Research will be conducted on existing and future discoveries to give a more detailed evolving picture of the monastery in the Anglo-Saxon period.

A ‘large portion’ of the grant will fund a new Interpretation Officer post at the University of Reading, which will include analysing and interpreting new and existing findings over the coming three years.

The research will help to tell ‘fascinating and engaging’ stories about Cookham’s early medieval past to archaeology groups, academic audiences and varied public audiences.

The initiative will involve engagement with a range of public audiences and partnering with charity Friends of Cookham Abbey to carry out a programme of outreach activities for groups and stakeholders across the East Berkshire region.

The charity, which was set up to support fundraising and community engagement for the Cookham Abbey archaeological dig, has run pilot engagement events in the past with local schools and a range of stakeholder organisations, extending into Maidenhead and Slough.

The project will also broaden access to heritage by connecting with a range of groups.

This including multi-faith groups, refugees, and those with disabilities across Maidenhead and Slough.

The three upcoming summer seasons of excavation will be nested in a year-round programme of activities.

This will include a travelling Archaeology Roadshow, which will bring archaeological finds, storytelling workshops, and virtual reality experiences to schools, care homes and community groups.

There will also be heritage walks taking place, linking Cookham Abbey to other ancient sites and natural heritage along the River Thames.

Online resources, featuring research findings, a curated exhibition of artefacts and photographs will also be available, reaching audiences both nationally and internationally.

Professor Gabor Thomas, who leads the excavations by the university, said: "This funding is transformational for our ongoing research at Cookham Abbey.

“It will take understanding of this hugely significant site to a much deeper level and deliver a step-change in our public engagement work, especially with stakeholders in the local region.  

“The Heritage Fund support will consolidate Cookham Abbey’s reputation as a key site for understanding monastic life at the beginnings of English Christianity and enable us to inspire and empower local communities to engage in this unique archaeological heritage.”

Stuart McLeod, director of England - London & south at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support the Cookham Abbey Connects project, which will share the remarkable story of this Anglo-Saxon monastery.

“Cookham Abbey is an extraordinary site of national significance and this project will not only deepen academic understanding but also ensure that more people can discover and connect with the exciting heritage on their doorstep.”