[Regia-NA] Prittlewell Burial

[Ian Uzzell]

I had the good fortune to attend a lecture at Bede's World in Jarrow recently given by Dave Lakin, one of the archaeologists involved in the excavation of the Prittlewell Burial.  I made notes and repeat them here for interest.

 

Treasures of an East Saxon King - the Prittlewell burial

 

The site was an area between a road and railway line in Southend on Sea, and was being excavated because it was due to be developed into a dual carriageway and in the earlier part of 20C several Saxon graves had been found.

 

This particular burial was a chamber burial with a floor which may have been strewn with herbs or grass. There is evidence of a roof but it is not know what type of roof it was (flat or ridged)

 

No body was found in the grave  but the crowns of the teeth remained.

 

The person in the burial had very little adornment, but this is considered the second richest burial after Sutton Hoo and 112 objects have been found.

 

They are assuming the burial was male.

 

There was a gold buckle found at the waist position.  It was not substantial and appeared to be made for the burial, and not for use.

 

There were two gold foil crosses about 1" high, which were marked out for cutting on the rear and then cut to shape with shears.  Evidence of Christian??

 

There were small shoe buckles in the place where the feet would be.  He had X-ray photos of the earth block containing the buckles and it could be seen where the leather tab supporting the buckle had been secured to the shoe at three points.

 

The drawing of the burial shows the occupant being buried in a coffin, but the associated ironwork may be that of a bed, and so this may be a bed burial

 

There were 10 drinking vessels.  2 blue glass, 2 green glass, 4 wooden and 2 horn.  Decoration on the metalwork was Salin 2

 

Remains of a lyre - and X-rays show metal clips which were probably used for repairing splitting wood on the sounding board. 

 

2 large bone dice and 53 gaming pieces about the size and shape of half a golf ball.

 

In a box there was a silver spoon with some markings scratched into the bowl - including a cross (Christian?) There was also the remains of a comb and a small box - possibly a reliquary box.

 

There was a Coptic bowl, a small cauldron and chain, a large cauldron, and a flagon.  All in the positions that they occupied when placed in the grave as if they were still hanging there.

 

There was a bucket containing a small bowl and a scythe or sickle blade.

 

Two gold coins - Frankish with a date of between 580 and 650AD

 

There was thin gold wire - possibly from tablet weaving in the area around his chest - in an X shape.  Still being analysed

 

Estimated burial date is 620 - 630

 

Contenders could be Sabert who died in 616, or Sigeberht who died in 670

 

But of course it may not be them at all....

 

Their website is www.molas.org.uk

 

The artefacts will be on display in the Docklands Museum from mid July until mid August

 

 
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