History: Highlights of Saxon Archaeology

Britain's genetic make-up radically changed between 500 and 800 AD/CE. Recent cemetery excavations at Wendover (Bucks) and Harpole (Northants) have changed our thinking: were the newcomers environmental refugees, pagan plunderers, invaders or missionaries? The answers are hinted at by the analysis of excavated materials – why are we finding ivory and garnet, and how did it get here? How and why the migrations took place will be illustrated using new (since 1980) excavation evidence, metal detecting finds (Staffordshire Hoard), scientific analysis and aerial remote sensing data. The course will use recent information on sites, finds and their interpretation to shed new light on Anglo-Saxon archaeology in Britain. Modules will include Anglo-Saxon arrivals 450-700 AD/CE; recent AngloSaxon cemeteries (Wendover and Harpole); Rendlesham (Suffolk); Lyminge (Kent), a Saxon Royal Centre; the Staffordshire Hoard; the Garnet Question, and the West of Britain.