Barrington Anglo-Saxon Cemetery - 1991 Interim Report

Following the excavations of the Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Edix Hill, Barrington, in 1989 and 1990 a further sixty three Anglo-Saxon burials were excavated during the summer of 1991. Twenty eight Iron Age pits and four major multi-phase ditches were investigated, and a ring-ditch probably dating to the Bronze Age was also discovered. Five trenches were opened (a total of 2000 square metres)and the main settlement area of the Iron Age phase was identified but not excavated. The date range of Anglo-Saxon artefacts extended the use of the site as a cemetery from the late fifth century to through to the early seventh. One man was found to have been buried with a shield, and was accompanied by a copper alloy-bound bucket and another had studs indicating a shield had been present , this individual may also have had a drinking vessel buried with him. Eight burials were found to have spears, one being found with a child. Grave goods buried with women included many "necklaces" with glass and amber beads, sixteen copper alloy brooches, fragments from four bone combs, latch lifters and keys were found with six women, and a chatelaine chain was also discovered. Two women were found to have had bags with ivory rings at their openings. Spiral silver wrist clasps and a pair of hexafoil design saucer brooches date to the sixth century, whilst a necklace of fine silver rings and gold pendants were probably the latest finds, of late seventh century date. Eleven burials appeared to be multiple, representing the graves of twenty three individuals. Following analysis eighteen burials were found to contain the remains of more than one individual, with thirty nine individuals present.