[MR] History Blog: Harpole Saxon Necklace Reconstructed

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

Some of you may remember that one year ago I called your attention to
artifacts from an unusual Saxon "bed burial" at Harpole, a village in
Northamptonshire. Saxon bed burials are rare, and it was a practice used
for high-status women. The occupant of the bed, whose remains had almost
completely disintegrated, died in the 7th century. Though a pectoral cross
denoted her as a Christian, she was buried with grave goods more in the
pagan fashion, including a magnificent necklace with beads of glass,
semi-precious stones and gold roman coins. She was not wearing the
necklace, but rather it was placed next to her body. The necklace
terminated in an intricate gold and garnet square, typical of the best
Saxon craftsmanship.

Yesterday the History Blog showed before-and-after photos of the necklace,
now restored to its amazing glory. High-status indeed:
https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/69003 .

If you would like to review the initial post describing the find, go to
https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/65854 .

An update followed in early January of this year on the large garnet from
the woman's pectoral cross is at
https://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/66323 . The cross is so delicate
that a year later it has still not been freed from its soil matrix.

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆
Continuing a quest to keep Merry Rose relevant and in business.