A CHURCH service to mark the re-burial of 58 ancient skeletons – excavated from an Anglo-Scandanvian Christian cemetery more than 20 years ago – will take place on Monday.

Dozens of people, including archaeology and local history enthusiasts, are expected to attend the service, at St Mary’s Church, in Masham, North Yorkshire.

The remains were discovered in the town, close to Little Market Place, in the late Eighties.

North Yorkshire archaeologist Kevin Cale, who was involved in the excavation, said: “I was responsible for the excavation of a number of skeletons, because Yorkshire Water was laying some pipes to provide services for toilet facilities that were being built in that area.”

After the bones were rescued, an investigation into their history was begun by Harrogate Borough Council and Bradford University. Mr Cale said research showed that the bodies were buried between 670AD and 1011AD.

He said: “It would be misleading to say they were Vikings, and it would be misleading to say they were Anglo Saxons. They were a combination of both.

“Not all the skeletons that were excavated were complete.

Although they were all recognisable as skeletons, various fragments were missing.”

Mr Cale said the remains, of men, women and children, were found a short distance away from Masham’s churchyard.

But the bodies were buried long before today’s cemetery was consecrated.

He described the burial ground as a “lost cemetery”.

Mr Cale said: “After being excavated, the bones were taken to Harrogate Museum for storage. It is only fairly recently that we have had the opportunity to examine them.

“The analysis revealed that there was no evidence these people had died as a result of a traumatic experience, like a battle. They had come from a farming community around Masham, and had led peaceful lives. They were reasonably well-nourished as well.”

Mr Cale said the bodies had been buried in keeping with an old Christian tradition, facing eastwards and with women and children separate from men.

Children from Masham Primary School, who have taken part in numerous projects on the skeleton finds over the years, will take part in Monday’s ceremony.

Before the service, there will be a procession, carrying the bones, which are being stored in crates, into the church.

The service, which starts at 2pm, is open to all residents.

■ On Saturday, October 17, from 11am to 4pm, a free exhibition celebrating the town’s heritage will be held in Masham Town Hall. At 2.15pm, Mr Cale will give a talk about the skeletons’ discovery.

At 3pm, Lord Masham will unveil a plaque at the original burial site.