Saxon Helmet on the Internet
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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
An iron crest in the shape of a boar surmounts it - only the second example found on a
helmet anywhere in the world. Boar crested helmets are known from literary sources
(Beowulf) and depictions of them from the seventh and eighth century, both from Britain
and Scandinavia. So far all the boar-crested helmets discovered come from
England.
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 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 12
noon to 5 p.m. 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 p.m. 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.
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