An unbelievable Anglo-Saxon sword unearthed in a subject in Kent has been revealed for the primary time on BBC programme Digging for Britain.
Described as ‘probably the most extraordinary objects’ ever seen on the long-running present, the weapon was present in a grave on the web site of an early medieval cemetery close to Canterbury.
Boasting a gilded silver hilt with intricate patterns, the exceptionally well-preserved weapon was recovered nonetheless in its scabbard in what consultants imagine is the grave of a person.
Archaeologist Dr Andrew Richardson says on Digging for Britain, which airs tomorrow evening: ‘It’s actually a really high-status object, whoever was carrying this, was buried with this, was any person actually necessary.’
Connected to the sixth century sword’s hilt is a hoop that’s believed to symbolise an oath between its proprietor and a king or a lord, or perhaps a god.
Conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown, who examined the sword underneath a microscope, found that the within of the sword’s scabbard is lined with beaver fur.
Additionally discovered within the grave, one in every of as many as 200 on the web site, was a gold pendant often called a bracteate.
An unbelievable Anglo-Saxon sword unearthed in a subject in Kent has been revealed for the primary time on BBC programme Digging for Britain. It has been described as ‘probably the most extraordinary objects’ ever seen on the long-running present
Boasting a gilded silver hilt with intricate patterns, the exceptionally well-preserved weapon was recovered nonetheless in its scabbard in what consultants imagine is the grave of a person
It boasts a serpent sample related to Scandinavian or Anglo-Saxon paganism and might be paying homage to the cult of pagan god Odin, Dr Richardson believes.
The earliest grave is that of a girl and dates again to the late fifth century, so greater than 1,500 years.
On the time, Kent was an unbiased kingdom and had been so for the reason that finish of Roman rule in Britain in 410AD.
The lady was buried with objects together with glass beads and extraordinary wrist clasps.
They’re described as ‘actually fairly particular’ by lead archaeologist Professor Duncan Sayer, the director of the College of Central Lancashire’s Analysis Institute For Supplies and Investigative Sciences.
‘I’ve by no means seen one other instance of this within the UK in any respect,’ he says.
He provides: ‘They’re distinctive to the positioning. Virtually actually Scandinavian in character.’
Additionally discovered on the web site are a sequence stone beads, buckles and the stays of a wood bucket.
One buckle factors to a connection to France.
The discoveries are set to endure a means of conservation earlier than finally going to the Folkestone Museum.
Thus far, 12 burials have been excavated. It would take years to discover what are believed to be 200 graves in complete.
Additionally discovered within the grave, one in every of as many as 200 on the web site, was a gold pendant often called a bracteate
Thus far, 12 burials have been excavated. It would take years to discover what are believed to be 200 graves in complete
A chicken’s eye view reveals consultants excavating two graves on the extraordinary web site
The stays of a cranium and weapon are seen in one of many graves on the web site in Kent
Digging for Britain is introduced by historian Professor Alice Roberts
After the tip of the Romans’ occupation of Britain, which lasted for almost 500 years, England was cut up into a number of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Together with Kent, the kingdoms included Mercia, Northumbria, East Anglia, and Wessex.
The kingdoms finally united to battle towards Viking invaders. The primary king of a united England was Athelstan, who reigned from 924 till his dying in 939.
Digging for Britain airs tomorrow and on Wednesday on BBC 2 at 8pm.
