Metal detectors uncover Saxon cemetery
TWO Eastbourne metal detector enthusiasts have discovered a Saxon cemetery that had lain undiscovered for 1,500 years.
Bob White and Cliff Smith, of the Eastbourne District Metal Detecting Club, were at first concerned that their finds – a tiny portion of a metal bowl and a skull fragment – were the result of a gruesome recent murder.
"It was a bit scary at first because we were unsure if it was a murder scene," said Bob.
Police, East Sussex county archaeologists and Laura Burnet, Portable Antiquities Scheme finds liaison officer, were all consulted.
They were able to establish that the remains were likely to be Saxon burials and, to avoid the risk of looting, they decided to excavate the graves near Lewes immediately, with the permission of the landowner and farmer.
By the next morning Greg had assembled a team of Brighton and Hove Archaeological Society volunteers.
They were joined by Bob and Cliff's metal detecting club colleagues to scan the remainder of the field and begin excavation of the graves.
Three graves were excavated, that of one man and two women. The most impressive grave contained the remains of a female, buried with an unusual bronze bowl in remarkable condition with a still-working handle as well as gilded brooches and silver belt decorations.
The male was buried with a spear and shield. All point to the fact that the family was relatively wealthy and of high status within their local community.
Archaeologist Casper Johnson said, "To resist the temptation to dig around the find is hard. Because they waited we will be able find out so much more through the controlled excavation and analysis of the finds.
"They also camped for three days on the site to protect it from looters."
The artefacts were quickly taken to English Heritage laboratories in Portsmouth to prevent deterioration and for analysis and conservation.
It is hoped that they will eventually go on public display at Lewes' Barbican House Museum.
The archaeology team at the county council will produce a publicly available report on the findings once analysis has taken place.
Paul Roberts, English Heritage inspector of ancient monuments, said, "The site near Lewes has been protected as a scheduled monument in recognition of its importance and to help preserve it in future.
"Our understanding of the graves is considerably better for the careful and exemplary approach taken by the two local metal detectorists who discovered the site and its subsequent excavation by county council staff and unpaid local archaeologists."
Councillor Matthew Lock, lead cabinet member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said, "Our archaeological section is working hard to make sure that the archaeology in East Sussex is understood and cared for.
"To do this effectively they need the help of keen people like Bob and Cliff who not only behaved very responsibly by reporting their marvellous discovery, but were of great help in assisting our archaeologists and guarding the site whilst it was being excavated."
Under the terms of the Treasure Act Bob and Cliff could be entitled to some reward, but they emphasise this is not important.
"Mine and Cliff's name will go down in the history books," said Bob.
"To find the unknown is reward enough. That's priceless."
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Weather for Hastings
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 1 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
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