Ruxox Cell facts for kids

Ruxox Cell (sometimes spelled Rokesac) was once a small, moated chapel or monastic cell built in the 1100s. It was located in the area of Flitwick in Bedfordshire, England. The cell was on the east side of the village of Ruxox.

Around 1170, Philip de Sanvill, who was the Lord of Flitwick, gave Ruxox Cell to the Augustinian priory of Dunstable. This gift was later confirmed by William, Earl of Aumale, and his wife, Hawise. The chapel was dedicated to St. Nicholas by Robert de Chesney, who was the bishop of Lincoln. Sometimes, leaders from the Dunstable Priory would go to Ruxox to retire.

What We Know About Ruxox Cell

Only a few old papers from the 1200s mention Ruxox Cell. These papers help us understand its history.

Old Records and Books

One important record is an old deed found in the cartulary (a book of copies of deeds and charters) of Dunstable Priory. This book is now kept at the British Library. It talks about Alexander, a canon (a type of priest) from Ruxox. The deed also mentions several grants (gifts of money or land) given to the chapel.

Another helpful record is the chronicle (a historical account of events) of Dunstable. This book mentions the leader at Ruxox in the year 1205. It also tells us about two friars, Michael de Peck and John de Hallings, and other people who lived at Ruxox in 1283. The chronicle also notes that two canons from Ruxox, along with Stephen, the parson (a church minister) of Flitwick, died and were buried there in 1290.

Digging Up the Past: Archaeology

People have dug at the Ruxox site to find out more about it. This is called archaeological excavation.

Discovering Old Walls

During these digs, they found the foundations of a wall close to the River Flit. This wall runs five feet underground, parallel to the river for a short distance. Then, it turns at a 45-degree angle. The wall is made of sandstone and other stone blocks. Part of a wooden beam, 10 feet long and 2 feet wide, was found pinned underneath the wall. This beam was resting on piles (strong supports driven into the ground).

Roman Connections?

Remains of Roman roads have been found nearby. Also, Roman pottery was discovered along the wall. However, researchers believe the site is more from the medieval period than from Roman times. This is mainly because a carved sandstone column base, which was likely Roman, was reused in the wall. This suggests the medieval builders used older Roman materials.