Anglo-Saxon Cemetery Unearthed: Viking Link Project Reveals Hidden Treasures

In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery has been unearthed during excavations for National Grid’s Viking Link project, the world’s longest land and subsea energy interconnector. The findings, including a gold Anglo-Saxon pendant, shed light on life in rural south-east Lincolnshire from prehistory to the present day. The excavation, featured in the BBC’s Digging for Britain, has uncovered a wealth of evidence, marking a significant milestone in understanding the region’s history.

Since 2020, the Viking Link project has led to the excavation of 50 archaeological sites along the onshore cable route. The discoveries include a Bronze Age barrow, a Romano-British farmstead, and a particularly remarkable find—an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Peter Bryant, who led the project, expressed excitement about the artifacts found, with a gold Anglo-Saxon pendant from the burial ground standing out as a highlight.

Anglo-Saxon Cemetery Details

The Anglo-Saxon cemetery, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries AD, features burials deliberately focused around an earlier Bronze Age ring ditch, indicating a longstanding funerary landscape. Over 20 individuals were buried alongside various grave goods, including knives, jewelry, and pottery vessels. The remains of a teenage girl and a child were among the notable findings, both arranged with the child tucked behind the older girl. The teenager was adorned with two small gold pendants set with garnets, a delicate silver pendant with an amber mount, two small blue glass beads, and an annular brooch.

Scientific Advancements and Ongoing Research

Jacqueline McKinley, Principal Osteoarchaeologist at Wessex Archaeology, emphasized the significance of employing modern scientific advancements in the study of this Anglo-Saxon cemetery. Isotopic and DNA analyses will provide insights into the population’s mobility, genetic background, and dietary habits. Ongoing research aims to uncover familial relationships and broader genetic links within the community and the wider region, shedding light on the movement of people in Anglo-Saxon society.

Understanding Anglo-Saxon Life and Death:

The ongoing analysis extends beyond skeletal remains, encompassing artifacts and the cemetery’s layout. Researchers aim to decipher economic, cultural, and social factors influencing this community, including the import of exotic goods and the health of individuals buried in different sections of the cemetery. As this multidimensional research unfolds, it promises to significantly enhance our understanding of Anglo-Saxon life and death in the region.

The Anglo-Saxon cemetery discovery, a remarkable outcome of the Viking Link project, provides a unique glimpse into the rich history of south-east Lincolnshire. As researchers delve deeper into the scientific analyses and interpretations of the findings, it is anticipated that the knowledge gained will contribute significantly to our understanding of Anglo-Saxon communities and their way of life. The unearthing of hidden treasures continues to captivate both scholars and the public, unraveling a tapestry of history that has remained buried for centuries.