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An archaeological excavation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in February 2016, on land at Beggarwood Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire. The excavation area was targeted on archaeological features identified by evaluation. Excavation identified a small Early Bronze Age cremation cemetery, comprising twenty-three pits containing deposits of cremated bone or pyre debris, seven of which were associated with urns. The identified vessels included both collared urn and 'food vessel' types, which are well-represented in cremation cemeteries of this date elsewhere in Hampshire. Cremated human bone was recovered from only nine features, of which three were associated with urns and six were unurned. Two pits contained possible evidence of post settings, and a small number of undated features had no association with cremation-related material, and were of unknown function. A single feature, of Roman date, contained a deposit of iron nails which, together with charred plant remains, suggested settlement or agricultural activity in proximity to the site. A number of ditched field boundaries of post-medieval date were identified during the evaluation. The Early Bronze Age cremation cemetery represents a rare example of its type in southern England, and one of at least regional importance.

Excavating burials presents a myriad of ethical considerations involving legal constraints and regulations, religion (lay and formal), health and safety, public and academic interest, and descendants. These considerations are arguably more complex when the excavation is undertaken within the context of developer led practice in which the realities of time, cost, and methods of construction all come into play. Excavations may also become the focus of local opposition to developments or can be used as political opportunities. Drawing on the experience of two of the UK’s leading archaeology practices, Oxford Archaeology and Cotswold Archaeology, this chapter discusses some of the main ethical considerations in burial excavation in England, with reference to a number of examples and ‘on the ground’ observations, not usually provided in the published literature. It is highlighted that, when burials are concerned, the interests of different groups are frequently discordant and require professional judgement and a pragmatic, balanced, approach in which the best solutions available at the time are found. The last 20 years has seen increasing ethical debate in the excavation of burials in England and will continue to do so. Changes in economic, political, and commercial arenas, which will directly impact on archaeology, are on the horizon and will present new ethical dilemmas for burial archaeology in the near future highlighting that a more developed ethical framework is needed.

Excavation of the cemetery associated with Littlemore Baptist Chapel, Oxford, revealed a total of 31 graves and coffins dating to the second half of the 19th century. The remains of 30 individuals survived. Coffin fittings were not plain as expected, but rather followed the Anglican tradition of the time. The skeletal evidence indicated a population where some suffered nutritional deficiencies in childhood, while others experienced longevity in adulthood, with the majority of pathological conditions being linked to old age. Evidence of trauma and degenerative change linked to manual labour were largely absent. Two examples of neoplastic disease were identified and these are discussed in detail.