Eighth-century Cookham monastery could have been one of UK's earliest hospices, experts say

An eighth-century monastery in Cookham may have been one of the UK’s earliest hospices, according to experts.

Archaeologists from the University of Reading have been excavating the royal site each summer since 2021 and will be returning to make more discoveries from Tuesday, July 15.

Experts believe the monastery, led by Queen Cynethryth more than 1,200 years ago, was used as a care centre where herbal remedies, surgeries and other medical support was offered to the sick and dying.

Initial analysis of the 23 skeletons which have been excavated from the 80 burials found at the site, highlighted that monastery residents suffered from poor health, ranging from skeletal trauma to tumours and infections.

Professor Gabor Thomas, leader of the project, said: “Initial analysis of the remains discovered at Cookham indicates a high prevalence of individuals with unusual or severe pathological conditions.

“Nearly every person suffered from some form of health challenge, and this would have been obvious to those in their community.  

“It is possible that the monastery may have been one of the UK’s earliest hospices, offering medical care to people with, ailments, injuries and those coming to the end of their lives.

 “The diversity and rarity of conditions suggest that a proportion of these individuals may have come from beyond Cookham to seek healing.” 

Dr Ceri Falys, a specialist in human bone analysis, examined the 23 skeletons at the University of Reading’s Osteoarchaeology Laboratory.

She looked at the biological sex, age-at-death and pathology of each individual.

The results highlight that of the 14 remains excavated from the eastern trench of the monastery, there were six females, seven males and a child.

Most of the adults passed away after the age of 46 and most of the bodies were smaller than expected for their age.

Nine of these remains showed signs of skeletal trauma, which were likely to have been caused by accidents.

One appeared to have had skull surgery prior to their death, while two others had bone deformities which are likely to have been caused by tumours.

Older people buried at this part of the site showcased signs of osteoarthritis and one patient appeared to have walked with a limp.

An infant who died before reaching their first birthday was discovered as part of the nine remains excavated from the western trench, alongside a male who had poor dental health and was unable to chew on one side of his mouth.

Five of the burials indicated individuals who had developmental defects, with one having a shortened leg, indicating crutch use.

Some of the remains showcased signs of pressure sores, suggesting extended periods of lying down.

The university has explained that more research is required to consolidate the initial findings.

Further excavations at the site will allow archaeologists to find out more about the Anglo-Saxons buried at the site, including what caused their injuries and diseases, what their diets looked like, where they lived and what treatments they received.

The team from the University of Reading will be back excavating the site from Tuesday, July 15 to Saturday, August 9, with permission from and in collaboration with Holy Trinity Church.

Tours of the site can be booked through: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/friends-of-cookham-abbey/cookham-abbey-site-tour/e-egrepg