Where to begin?...
Weo-dun is first accounted for in the 944 Anglo-Saxon Land Charter of Edmund Aelfric which refers to the 'Weedon people's boundary' twice, often interpreted as hill temple, or holy shrine.
We don't know what this refers to, without further archeological evidence.
Looking at 'weoh' - might give further clues (information here)
It should be noted that the Anglo-Saxons tended to rename places, so - it is tempting to consider whether Weedon had a different name, prior to the Saxon's arrival? Or was there some sort of hill/mound that was considered sacred with the river in context in pre-existence to the Saxon's description?
During the times of the Saxons (bearing in mind, parts of this area at one time came under Danish rule) rather than one-time raids or invasion, there would have been long-term, wavelike and ongoing, shfiting forces, battles and incursions. However, it tends to appear as though Weedon was under 'hidage' (accounted for in 'hides'), rather than 'wapentake' (weapons type tax indicated Dane rule).
Castle Dykes is not too far away, but though there is talk of a Mercian palace at Weedon for King Wulfere (dates) - again, although this is purported to become his daughter's religious house - no finds yet corroborate an exact location for the Mercian seat in the village. A 'burgh' (meaning) might be anything (wooden) that could be defended, and that could potentially be a minster...all written accounts (some xx years after Saint Werburgh's time), state there was a church, a fair chapel and Ashyards/ Ashards to the south of the church....
What could 'Ashyards' be? click here for more on this
Weedon's central position, presents a strong opportunity for access in and out by water and road, with means nearby to have ample capacity to see (well) across different valleys from on high..
Furthermore, for some reason, Weedon, with its nearby Stowe (like Welsh Llan), were observed as sacred at the same time...
Roman Weedon:
There are Roman finds in and around Weedon -
list here: ARCHI MAPS
and significantly; opposite the church, and in and around the cemetary area - which may make sense, given proximity to the high ground of Watling Street from Stowe (which holds a rich history, potentially interconnected with the Saints and Saxons of Weedon, see ref: here)
There are also Roman and Saxon finds nearby at Whitehills Farm on the way to Nether Heyford:
- Saxon warrior burial - click here for details
- Whitehall farm dig details here
Ancient History at Weedon:
The River Nene:
The River Nene has many tributories, but one branch of the river is one of three rivers to emerge near Arbury Hill, near to Badby. [three rivers rising at or near the largest hill in a county cannot be overlooked - what this will have meant to previous generations, we can only surmise - it is commonly noted as being significant - plus of course, being sources of water near a defendable point in the county...]
The Nene is also apparently unique in having three sources...including Naseby Nene, and Yelvertoft Nene.
If we trace the watercourse either from sea all the way back to the river's sources (or vice versa)
[also note, Peterborough Cathedral, and the position out to the fens, etc), and then by road, to London....?]
Nene (Ordnance Survey 1855), Nenn (c. 1810 Cole and Roper), Nyn - what's in a name?
Reported to be the 10th longest river.
Victor Watts - a British toponymist - states the name is 'certainly pre-English and pre-Celtic' (ref). It is possible
What happens to the Nene at Weedon?
Weedon, being in a valley, even during heavy rains, tends to flood and has a recorded history of flooding.
Worlds (2nd?) Large Water Brake: