An extraordinary sixth-century sword has been unearthed in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery near Canterbury, Kent, leaving archaeologists in awe of its remarkable preservation and craftsmanship. This is an elite weapon, of rare craftsmanship, adorned with intricate silver and gilt designs, and rivals iconic finds such as the Sutton Hoo sword. The discovery is part of a larger excavation at a cemetery with over 200 graves, offering a rare glimpse into early medieval life, and has been brought to the fore by the team from BBC’s Digging for Britain.
A Sword of Exceptional Craftsmanship
The sword, unearthed from the burial of a high-ranking individual, features a silver-and-gilt hilt with intricate patterns and a blade inscribed with runes. Fragments of its leather-and-wood scabbard and traces of beaver fur lining have also survived.
Attached to its pommel is a ring, believed to symbolize an oath to a king or other elite figure
Lead archaeologist Duncan Sayer of the University of Central Lancashire described the find as “in the top echelons of swords, an elite object in every way,” reports The Guardian.
The burial also contained a gold pendant inscribed with a serpent or dragon motif, possibly a treasured keepsake from a female relative.
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Unearthing Anglo-Saxon Graves
The cemetery, whose precise location remains undisclosed to prevent looting, dates to the fifth and sixth centuries AD. Twelve graves have been excavated so far, with weapons such as spears and shields accompanying male burials, and brooches, knives, and buckles found in female graves.
Aerial footage from the excavation will feature in the BBC series Digging for Britain, highlighting the significance of this untouched site. Professor Alice Roberts, who presents the series, expressed her admiration for the finds:
“I’ve never seen one that’s so beautifully preserved. It’s an extraordinary Anglo-Saxon cemetery with beautifully furnished graves.”
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Aerial image of the Anglo-Saxon graveyard under excavation, to be revealed on Digging for Britain in January. (Production/BBC/Rare TV)
Insights into Early Anglo-Saxon Life
The discoveries offer a wealth of information about funerary practices and cultural exchanges during the early medieval period. Microscopic analysis by conservator Dana Goodburn-Brown revealed fly pupae on the sword, suggesting that the deceased’s body was left exposed before burial, possibly for loved ones to pay their respects.
Artifacts from the cemetery also trace connections to Scandinavia and the Frankish kingdoms, revealing the changing political and cultural landscape of Kent in the fifth and sixth centuries. One woman’s grave from the late fifth century contained objects of Scandinavian origin, while sixth-century graves included Frankish artifacts.
These findings align with broader research on early Anglo-Saxon migrations. A study of 300 individuals from Britain’s east coast revealed that 75% of their DNA came from continental northern Europe, reveals The Guardian article, confirming a significant migration event following the Roman withdrawal.
Preserving the Past
The sword and accompanying artifacts will undergo meticulous conservation, ultimately finding a home at Folkestone Museum. The excavation, part of an ongoing project, promises to yield further insights into the lives of the early Anglo-Saxons.
The find is covered in the upcoming Digging for Britain series, which begins on 7 January at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Top image: The sixth-century sword unearthed in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery near Canterbury, Kent Source: Prof Alice Roberts/BBC/Rare TV
By Gary Manners
Source: www.ancient-origins.net