Royal saxon tomb in Prittlewell
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In the autumn of 2003 workmen widening a road in Prittlewell, Essex (north of Southend-on-Sea) uncovered a set of Saxon remains.
Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology Service excavated the site and discovered a 7th-century chamber grave beneath a mound. They described it as "the most spectacular discovery of its kind made during the past 60 years".
The artefacts found were of a quality that it is likely that it was a tomb of one of the Kings of Essex and the discovery of golden foil crosses indicates that the inhabitant was an early Christian. This suggest that it was either Saebert or Sigeberht II the Good
Earlier excavations had indicated saxon burials in the area however it was not expected to find such a find.
Southend Borough Council has come under some fire due to plans to continue with the already controversial road widening scheme - covering the site. The council has, however, promised to find a home for the finds, in order to keep them in the borough.
External links
- MoLAS Report (http://www.molas.org.uk/pages/siteReports.asp?siteid=pr03)
- Southend Museum information (http://www.southendmuseums.co.uk/history/saxonking/saxonking1.htm)