[MR] Various: Saxon Tomb Behind the Supermarket

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Today the History Blog is reporting on the marvelous Saxon royal tomb found
behind an Aldi supermarket in Essex. Though the tomb was first excavated in
2003, only now are grave goods conserved and placed on display. The BBC and
others have also carried the story of this remarkable find, some rather
haughtily calling it "the UK's answer to Tutankhamun's tomb". Well, hardly,
though it is a important find with both items of daily use and some
treasures.

Although only fragments of the body remain, the artifacts suggest a royal
burial dating from the 6th century. Carbon dating puts the end date at
around 605. Some elements suggest a Christian burial, though the grave
goods are a pagan hold-over.  The occupant is thought to be Seaxa, brother
of King Saebert of Essex.

Among the grave goods are gold foil crosses which probably covered the
occupant's eyes, a lyre, a gold belt buckle, a high-status sword,
gold-decorated drinking vessels, a folding stool, and much more.

Here is the History Blog's story:
http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/55112 .

The BBC's coverage is found at
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-essex-48203883 .

The Guardian newspaper offers this:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/may/09/britains-equivalent-to-tutankhamun-found-in-southend-on-sea
.

Don't miss the Museum of London Archaeology's coverage of the artifacts at
https://prittlewellprincelyburial.org . This site includes an interactive
rendering of the burial chamber and its artifacts. There are also video
clips and articles on how the artifacts were conserved. The site and some
of its features take a while to load, but you could spend hours happily
playing here.

Yours Aye,

Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆