Human remains and ‘lavish’ jewels unearthed at Anglo-Saxon burial site in Lincolnshire

Skeletons and ‘lavish’ artefacts have been unearthed at an historic burial site in the county. Archaeologists have been left stunned by the findings - which include 50 graves containing human remains, jewellery and weaponry.

One of the skeletons unearthed at the Anglo-Saxon burial site in Scremby
[Credit: Sheffield University]

A team from Sheffield University, which led the excavations, made the astonishing discoveries at a sixth century Anglo-Saxon burial site in a field at Scremby, between Skegness and Spilsby.

The ancient cemetery was first discovered when a metal detectorist scanning the farmland uncovered Anglo-Saxon objects including iron shield bosses, copper guilded brooches and spear heads. Ploughing had damaged some of the graves before their existence was known - but many survived intact.

The fully-preserved enamelled bowl unearthed at the Anglo-Saxon burisl site at Scremby - is one
of the most impressive finds [Credit: Sheffield University]

An ornate brooch recovered from one of the fifth century graves
[Credit: Sheffield University]

The excavations that followed have now unearthed 50 ancient graves - many representing what archaeologists call the ‘lavish burials’ of wealthy individuals at the time. Tragically, one woman buried at the site was found cradling the remains of a baby in her arms.

Archaeologists behind the latest dig, which took place this summer, are now in the process of cleaning and analysing their various finds. Items include human bones and teeth, jewellery such as intricate glass beads and brooches, weapons, and ornate pottery - including a well-preserved enamelled bowl.

A metal boar's head with garnet eyes - which may have been the nose piece on a helmet
[Credit: Sheffield University]

This 'rare' bird shield mount was unearthed at the Scremby site
[Credit: Sheffield University]

Lead archaeologist Dr Hugh Willmott describes the bowl as ‘a major find in its own right’ - with the carefully cleaned-up object revealing ‘stunning coloured enamels’.

Speaking to the Standard, he said: “We have a series of burials, 50 in total, what all include some form of grave goods. These can vary from just a single knife to hundreds of beads. The male burials often are accompanied by weapons in the forms of spears and shields, whilst the female burials largely contain jewellery such as brooches, beads and buckles. Some of the most eye-catching are the beads which are made from coloured glasses, rock crystal and amber.”

The archaeology team carefully unearth an ancient knife (seax)
[Credit: Sheffield University]

Some of the beads and a spindle whorl which were found at the burial site
[Credit: Sheffield University]

The human bone fragments and teeth have now been sent off for analysis using ‘ancient DNA sequencing’.

This is the second dig at Scremby by the team, having begun early excavations at the site last year. During this time they found artefacts such as a metal boar’s head with garnet eyes - which may have been the nose piece on a helmet - a ‘rare’ bird shield mount, a copper-alloy cup, and an animal-themed decorated belt fitting.

The dig in progress at Scremby this summer
[Credit: Sam Bromage]

Dr Willmott says they have now finished excavating the site, as there is ‘nothing left’ to find.

Writing about the dig, he added: “The preservation of the skeletal remains, as well as the many grave finds, provide an exciting opportunity to explore the social and cultural dynamics of the community who chose to bury their dead on this chalky outcrop.”

Author: Gemma Gadd | Source: Skengess Standard [October 17, 2019]