Graves filled with jewellery and swords uncovered by HS2 archaeologists in Wendover

The items uncovered at an Anglo-Saxon burial site date back to the 5th and 6th centuries – a period of time in which there are gaps in historical and archaeological records.

Around 30 field archaeologists, working on behalf of HS2, completed work at the site in 2021, and while evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman activity was all discovered, it was the presence of the Anglo-Saxon burial ground that was the most significant.

The site contained 138 graves, with 141 inhumation burials and 5 cremation burials – one the largest Anglo-Saxon burial ground ever uncovered in Britain.

Many of burials were found with two brooches on their collarbone, indicating that they would have been holding up garments such as a cloak, or a peplos – a long garment worn by women with shoulder brooches.

The brooches vary in style – some were disk brooches made with gilt, or coin brooches made of silver.

A pair of small square-headed brooches were excavated – a miniature form of the great square-headed brooch, such as the famous Chessell Down Brooch on display at the British Museum.

A set of copper alloy brooches

Some of the items uncovered could have been imported from across Europe, such as amber beads, and various metals and raw materials used to make the artefacts.

Two glass cone beakers were uncovered intact, which are similar to vessels made in Northern France, although they were also making them in England at the time.

A possible Roman glass bowl

The beakers, which would have been used for drinking liquids such as wine, may suggest the people there had access to fine beverages from abroad.

The vessels have decorative trails in the glass and are comparable to the “Kempston” type cone beaker, uncovered in Bedfordshire in 1891, with one currently on display in the British Museum.

A 6th century decorative footed pedestal bückelurn

One individual, a female, was discovered with a vast array of goods, the quality of which suggest that she was of high-status amongst the buried population at the site.

She was buried with a complete ornate glass bowl made of pale green glass, thought to be made around the turn of the 5th century, so could have been an heirloom from the Roman era.

Glass beads

Other burial items included multiple rings made of copper alloy, a silver ‘zoomorphic’ ring, brooches, discs, iron belt fittings and objects made of ivory.

A number of grooming items were also discovered, such as toiletry sets consisting of ear wax removers and toothpicks, tweezers, combs and even a cosmetic tube that could have contained a substance used as eyeliner or similar. 

A silver zoomorphic ring

One unique burial was found with a sharp iron object embedded in the spine of the individual, perhaps giving an insight into the cause of death.

The skeleton, thought to be a male aged between 17 and 24 at the time of death, was examined by specialist osteologists who believe the weapon was delivered from the front before embedding in the spine.

A skeleton, aged 17-24, found with a iron spear point imbedded in his spine

The incredible rare discoveries will be featured in a programme on Dan Snow’s History Hit streaming service and podcast, released today, Thursday, June 16.

A programme of assessment and analysis will be carried out over the next few years which will provide more insight into the stories of the people buried at the site in Wendover, and the history of the extraordinary artefacts uncovered.

A 6th century ceramic window urn

Speaking about the incredible discoveries filmed for his streaming service History Hit, Dan Snow, Historian and Presenter, said: “1,500 years ago people in Britain stopped writing things down. Traditionally this period has been dismissed as a Dark Age. But archaeology has filled the gaps.

“By studying the things our forebears have left in the ground, their glass, jewellery, weapons and even their bodies, we can build a rich picture of a dynamic and vital period of our history.

“This stunning set of discoveries on the HS2 route can tell us more about how our predecessors lived, fought and ultimately died.

“It is one of the best and most revealing post Roman sites in the country and it was thrilling to join the team as they uncovered their wonderful finds.”