This was a shallow grave with only a small amount of human bone remaining. (1)

The possibility that the grave identified in the trench may form part of a non-conformist burial ground, due to the strong non-conformist history of the area, was suggested by the Assistant Archaeological Officer for NCC, during a site visit. Non-conformist burial grounds are usually strictly laid out in neat rows, with little inter-cutting of graves. With this in mind, the archaeological trench was extended to the north-west and to the south-east to establish the presence/absence of further possible burials. Though it remains a possibility that the single grave is on the edge of a group of burials, the absence of any in the immediate vicinity reduces the likelihood of a cemetery. (1)

There is also no evidence from historical maps that a burial ground was on this site, when other burial grounds in Mansfield Woodhouse are clearly marked. The grave encountered therefore is more probably than not an isolated example of uncertain date. (1)

The depth and preservation of the human remains identified in the trench indicate that, though undated, they are likely to be earlier than the post-medieval period. (1)

Less than 5% of the complete skeleton survived, but even so, the burial was that of an adult male of at least 25 years of age, although dating the grave has not been possible due to a lack of artefactual evidence. No other burials were found anywhere within the excavated area, suggesting that this was a single discrete burial. (2)

<1> E. Rowe, 2008, Programme of Archaeological Investigation on Land off Portland Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Page 6 (Unpublished document). SNT5891.

<2> Pre-Construct Archaeology, Land off Portland Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire: Comprehensive Watching Brief Report. (Unpublished document). SNT4983.