Saxon Helmet on the Internet
Recently I got the opportunity to do a bit of 'surfing' and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was and at the quantity of information available. I just tried a search on the words Saxon helmet, because I knew one had been found recently in Northamptonshire. Within seconds the computer was producing page after page on the subject, complete with photos and drawings. Here are some of the highlights.
Pioneer
Named after Pioneer Aggregates the company who own the land and who are paying for the excavation, this helmet is one of only four ever from this period. The others are the Coppergate, Benty Grange and Sutton Hoo helmets. This helmet was discovered by a metal detectorist who was working alongside archaeologists on an 18 acre gravel pit. It was lying under only 8 inches of topsoil and placed beside the warrior's hip in the grave. The helmet seems to be constructed completely of iron, which is unusual as all three of the other surviving helmets use non-ferrous metals as well as iron.
Boar Crested
Among other items in the grave was a 3ft long double-edged sword made by a process known as pattern welding. There appears to be no sign of any metal hilt fittings, so possibly the grip, hand guard and pommel were all of some organic material such as wood or bone. Traces of a wooden scabbard with a sheepskin lining were still adhering to the blade. The scabbard was possibly covered in leather.
The burial dates to between 600 and 650AD, a period of warfare and conquest in Anglo-Saxon England. During this time the kings of three different kingdoms held the title of Bretwalda (High King), and Christianity was introduced to the Pagan Anglo-Saxons. By the end of the century most of the Anglo-Saxons had become Christian and the habit of burying grave goods with a body ended. (Information is supplied by Angelcynn - contact me for the full transcript.)
Summer Trip
This year's summer trip has been arranged for Sunday 10th August, when we will be visiting Shrewsbury and Buildwas Abbey.
The town of Shrewsbury was very prominent in the middle ages with its fine Cathedral and 11th century castle (mostly rebuilt). It also has two splendid museums.
Rowley's House Museum is housed in a magnificent 16th century timber framed warehouse and a stone mansion of 1618. Exhibits include, 'Shropshire before the Romans' and 'Medieval Shrewsbury'. Also many of the finds from Roman Wroxeter are to be found there
Clive House Museum takes its name from Clive of India who was Mayor and MP of Shrewsbury in the 1760's. Parts of the building are much older and there is a pleasant walled garden where people bringing packed lunches can eat. The theme of the museum is 'Natural History and Historians' including a collection from Charles Darwin who was one of the founders. A £4 entrance fee covers both.
For those seeking a challenge, there is the 'Shrewsbury Quest', which is based on Peter Ellis's Cadfael. You are invited to experience medieval monastic life and solve the mystery in the re-constructed Benedictine Abbey. First stop however, will be Buildwas Abbey just to the south east of Shrewsbury.
If you are interested in going on the trip (cost about £10) please fill in the enclosed slip and return it, together with a deposit to me or bring it to the next meeting.
Missing Links Alive
Liverpool Museum is having a special exhibition depicting the lives of prehistoric man. Missing Links Alive opens between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday and 12 noon to 5pm on Sunday and has everything from interactive displays and reconstruction of cave life, to 'hands on' replica fossil sites. The admission charge of £2.50 allows unlimited return visits, and is open till 3rd November.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Society will be on Wednesday 2nd July at the history shop at 7:30 pm as usual. Due to circumstances beyond our control, there has been a slight change of plan. Instead of Jonathan Pratt's talk on 17th century Wigan, Mr S. Rigby has agreed at short notice to give us a talk on The TITANIC. (Jonathan's talk has been postponed till November).
Hope to see you at the meeting - B.A.