Ancient abbey’s secrets to be shared thanks to major grant

Research into one of England's most significant Anglo-Saxon monasteries has received a major funding boost thanks to a £249,755 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the new research and engagement project set to reach thousands of people who have never engaged with archaeology before. 

Cookham Abbey, a monastery ruled by Mercian Queen Cynethryth 1,200 years ago, has been buried under a field in Cookham village since it was abandoned towards the end of the 9th century AD. University of Reading archaeologists have been excavating the site with the support of Holy Trinity Church, Cookham, since 2021, uncovering a variety of incredible artefacts, a well-preserved watermill and dozens of burials from a monastic cemetery.  

'Cookham Abbey Connects’ is a new three-year project that will enable further research and interpretation of the Anglo-Saxon site based on ongoing excavations by the Department of Archaeology, University of Reading. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players,the project will conduct research on existing and future discoveries to provide a detailed evolving picture of the monastery in its Anglo-Saxon heyday. The project will engage with a wide range of public audiences and partner with the charity Friends of Cookham Abbey to conduct an intensive programme of outreach activities to benefit groups and stakeholders across the East Berkshire region.  

Professor Gabor Thomas, who leads the University of Reading’s excavations, 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.”   

Research meets communities

The excavations captured national attention in 2025 after featuring in UK news coverage and on Sandi Toksvig's Hidden Wonders documentary series, in which the presenter explored the Abbey’s ruins and its discoveries.  

A large portion of the grant will fund a new Interpretation Officer post at the University of Reading, who will analyse and interpret existing and new findings over the coming three years. This research will help tell fascinating and engaging stories about Cookham's early medieval past for academic audiences, archaeology groups and varied public audiences. 

The project will also widen access to heritage by connecting with audiences who don't normally engage with archaeology, including refugees, multi-faith groups, and people with disabilities in Slough and Maidenhead. The three forthcoming seasons of summer excavation will be nested within a year-round programme of activities, including: