Archaeological Journal/Volume 11/Anglo-Saxon Cemetery Excavated, January, 1853
The Archaeological Journal.
JUNE, 1854.
ANGLO-SAXON CEMETERY EXCAVATED, JANUARY, 1853.
BY THE HON. RICHARD C. NEVILLE, F.S.A. V.P.
The mound which contained this cemetery is situated on the property of Pembroke College, Cambridge, formerly part of Linton Heath, Cambridgeshire, and in that parish. The village of Linton is distant two miles from the spot, which is close to the small hamlet of Bartlow, on the borders of Essex, and commands a view of the well-known tumuli at that place. Sunken Church field, in Hadstock parish, the site of Roman buildings, is also visible from the side of the hill on which it is situated. This slopes from north to south, and is bounded on the former point, at the distance of a mile, by the Roman Way, from Worsted Lodge to Horseheath, called the Wool Street; on the east, by the road from the latter place to Bartlow; on the south, by the road to Linton; and on the west, by the unenclosed portions of the old heath. The mound, within the recollection of the tenant, had been of considerable elevation, but had become so much levelled by the plough as to be scarcely visible above the surrounding soil, and it was difficult to distinguish its limits; its shape appeared oblong, and the measurement, as nearly as could be ascertained, was, from N.E. to S.W. 160 feet long; from E. to W., greatest width, 85 feet. On the 3rd of January, four labourers commenced trenching the ground regularly from the southern end, and soon came upon the first of the graves. Of the subsequent investigation, the subjoined relation is a regular journal.
Monday, January 3. Skeleton, No. 1.—4 feet deep. No reliques found with the deposit. This grave was cut through the tumulus into the natural soil (chalk), which suggests the idea that the burials are not those of the tribe by which the mound was raised. So many interments, from their character evidently not the results of a battle, could hardly have been made so nearly at the same time as to lead to the formation of the tumulus. This remark applies to nearly all the graves, and is confirmed by some of the reliques discovered subsequently.
No. 2.—312 feet deep. An iron spear was found lying at the head; a bow-shaped bronze fibula lay near the skull. Length of the spear, including socket, 912 inches; the socket has an open slit at the side, and is 412 inches in length. The blade lance-shaped, tapering from 1 inch at the base to 14 of an inch at the point: length of fibula, 134 inches; it has a bronze acus, now broken. This fibula deserves notice, as being of a distinctly Roman type, and it bears resemblance to that found at Wilbraham, figured in plate 9, No. 11, "Saxon Obsequies."
January 4. No. 3.—3 feet 6 inches deep. No reliques found with the deposit.
No. 4.—4 feet deep. A ring of bronze 1 inch in diameter; not a finger ring.
January 5. No. 5.—3 feet 6 inches deep, nothing found with the deposit.
No. 6.—5 feet 6 inches deep. Nothing found with the deposit. The bones in all the graves above enumerated were very much decayed.
No. 7.—4 feet deep. An iron boss of a shield in fragments; one iron spear 1212 inches long, with open-slit socket and remains of wooden haft within it; length of blade, 612 inches; width, 134 inches at base, 12 inch at point; this lay by the head. An iron knife; blade, 2 inches long, 12 inch wide, and 14 inch at point.
No. 8.—312 feet deep. An iron spear lay by the head, 6 inches long; length of blade 3 inches; width at base, 34 inch; at point, 12 inch; open-slit socket with wood remaining in it.
No. 9.—5 feet deep. This body lay with feet to the east. A situla (see woodcut, Fig. VIII.) lay by the right side of the head. It resembles those found at Wilbraham in 1851, "Saxon Obsequies," plate 17. The wooden staves had almost entirely perished, but the bands of bronze which
IX.—Situla, from grave, No. 72. |
X.—Bicornute bronze ornament. No. 72. |
VIII.—Situla, from grave, No. 9. |
Anglo-Saxon Antiquities discovered in the Cemetery on Linton Heath, By the Hon. Richard C. Neville, January, 1853.
No. 10.—5 feet deep. Two iron knives, broken; one small brass coin of Constans, perforated for suspension as a neck-ornament.
No. 11.—5 feet deep. No reliques found with the deposit. The bones were those of a very young person. The skull of a badger occurred in this day's work, as in a barrow at Melburn in 1847, and the burying-ground at Chesterford. As there are fox-earths in this mound, this may be accidental.
No. 12.—5 feet deep. A child twelve or fourteen years old. Two small bronze wire armlets with extending slides, 134 inch in diameter (see "Saxon Obsequies," plate 11, No. 38).
January 6. A third brass coin of Carausius, Rev. Pax type. Two amber beads were also found this day.
January 8. No. 13.—5 feet deep. An iron spear 14 inches long lay by the right side of the head; length of blade, 8 inches; 112 wide at base, 114 at point; open-slit socket with remains of wood within it.
No. 14.—4 feet 1 inches deep. One iron spear lay by right side of head, 9 inches long. The base of this blade is very narrow for an inch, gradually widening to an inch, and tapering again to an inch at the point; open-slit socket as before. An iron boss of a shield was found at the left side, with shelving roof, projecting apex surmounted by a button, and a broad rim at base for fastening it to the shield with five nails. Its shape may be seen in plate 37, "Saxon Obsequies." Leather appears to have been stretched over this umbo, from the fragments of such a covering still remaining. An iron sword lay by the left thigh; this is long and narrow, measuring 2 feet 912 inches, hilt included; width nearly the same from end to end, 2 inches. Frag
Bronze relique, with a picker appended, fig. XII.; grave, No. 9. |
XII. |
XIII.—Bronze wheel shaped ornament; grave, No. 72. | |
XIV.—Bronze pin, or stylus, found in grave. No. 16. | |
Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, discovered in the Cemetery on Linton Heath, by the Hon. Richard C. Neville, January, 1853. | |
No. 15.—2 feet deep. A circular flat piece of iron, 3 inches in diameter was found, probably belonging to the shield (compare "Akerman's Pagan Saxondom," plate 14).
No. 16.—2 feet 8 inches deep. This skull was sent to Mr. Davis, a distinguished comparative anatomist, who is engaged with Dr. Thurnam in the preparation of a work on the crania of the aboriginal inhabitants of the British Islands. Mr. Davis was unable to form an opinion of the sex. A slight bronze stylus was found, 4 inches long, with circular flat extremity for erasing. This object is very Roman in its fashion. (See woodcuts, Fig. XIV. original size.)
No. 17.—3 feet deep. This skull was also sent to Mr. Davis, who is of opinion that it belonged to a male. With it, was a portion of a highly ornamented situla, consisting of the bronze bands, some portions of the wood, and a large bicornute ornament which had been attached externally. The top of the perpendicular bands is finished in a circle with serrated edges. A small coin of Valentinianus was discovered in this grave.
Iron spur with fixed buckles at the ends of the shanks. Grave, No. 18.
Half length of the original.
No. 19.—3 feet deep. The skull found in this grave was pronounced by Mr. Davis to be that of a man about forty-five years of age. Two flat circular bronze fibulæ 112 inch in diameter; their surface is ornamented with impressed work (compare No. 77, plate 3, "Saxon Obsequies"); the pins have been of iron.—Two small looped objects or ornaments of bronze, 2 inches long; their use is very uncertain, they may have been attached to leather. To one only of them is affixed a strong- iron rivet, which passes through one of the plates. In other respects they resemble one another (see woodcut, original size).
No 20.—2 feet 8 inches deep. Pronounced by Mr. Davis to be the skeleton of a male of about fifty-five years of age. No reliques found with the deposit.
An urn of most decided Roman shape and ware was found this day, near some burnt human bones; height, 634 inches; circumference at middle, 16 inches; at base, 612 inches. It had no contents.
January 15. No. 21.—2 feet 5 inches deep. The skeleton lay with the head to the east; it was pronounced by Mr. Davis to be that of a female of about thirty-five years of age. He says the forehead is remarkably prominent, with the frontal suture distinctly seen. A large cruciform bronze fibula lay on the left shoulder, in fine preservation, elaborately chased and richly gilt. It had been set with ornaments of enamel or paste, now almost colourless. They appear, however, to have been red. The entire length is six inches, and the general character similar to that found with No. 9, and those figured in "Saxon Obsequies," plate 6, No. 28. The acus had been of iron. Two small bronze cruciform fibulæ were also found; one on the right, the other on the left shoulder; these are exactly similar, with square tops, and very much resemble figure 4, plate 2, of Douglas' Nenia; one of them had been slightly gilt. A circular bronze ring fibula lay by the left hand; the bronze is thin and flat, 12 an inch wide; diameter of circle, 2 inches; the pin has been of iron. One bronze ring, not suited for the finger, lay by the left hand; it measures 1 inch in diameter. Two rings of iron were also found by the left hand, 112 and 334 inches in diameter. An iron knife, 514 inches long, lay by the left hand; width, 34 of an inch, and 12 an inch at the point. The bones of some small animal lay also by the left hand. Fifty-seven beads lay about the collar bones; among them is one small bead of white crystal; the rest are of amber, two of them flat circles. A small Roman coin—Constantinopolis, was found among the beads, perforated for a neck ornament. This grave was on the outside of the mound.
January 17. No 22.—2 feet 10 inches deep. This skeleton was pronounced by Mr. Davis to be that of a boy of about 14 years. No reliques found with the deposit. The arms were folded across the breast, with the tips of fingers touching.
January 18. No. 23.—3 feet deep. One iron knife, 312 inches long; one iron spear, 6 inches long; length of blade, 334 inches, it has the open-slit socket.
No. 24.—3 feet 6 inches deep. Head to the south-west. Sixteen small beads of amber about the collar bones. Two small cruciform fibulæ of bronze, one over each shoulder. The broad end of both is surmounted by a small circular projection resembling the fibula found in an urn at Wilbraham ("Saxon Obsequies," plate 9); one of them has the iron acus remaining. A bronze pin or stylus, like that found with No. 16, 312 inches long. This lay over the left shoulder.
No. 25.—3 feet deep. Head towards south-west. It was sent to Mr. Davis, and pronounced to be that of a male of about twenty-eight years. An iron spear, length 934 inches, lay by the head. Length of blade 534 inches; this is leaf-shaped, being 1 inch wide at the base, 112 in the centre, and 12 inch at point; one iron knife, 314 inch long, was found by the thigh, width of blade 12 inch. An iron boss of a shield was upon the stomach, of similar shape to that found with No. 14, with five nails in the rim. The brace lost. Three round stud-nails, with circular tops, 114 inch diameter, were found, probably belonging to the shield. An urn. by the right side of the head, similar to those from Wilbraham, (plate 32, Saxon Obsequies;) height, 712 inches; circumference, at middle, 25 inches; at top, 1612 inches; base, 15 inches. It had no contents. One broken iron buckle lay by the thigh. This skeleton measured 5 feet 8 inches. One bead of vitrified paste of various colours, and two perforated pieces of bronze, were found in this day's work.
January 19. No. 26. 3 feet deep. No reliques found with the deposit, which was the skeleton of a child.
No. 27.—4 feet 8 inches deep. This head was sent to Professor Owen, who pronounces it to be that of a female about fifty years old. Two bronze cruciform fibula? were discovered, one over each shoulder. These are slight, 314 inches long, each surmounted on the top and on each side of the broad end, by a small stud, as in No. 128, plate 10, "Saxon Obsequies." The pins of both, length 112 inch, are of bronze, and perfect. (Compare fibulæ of similar shape in the "Collectanea Antiqua," vol. ii., plate 40.)
January 20. No. 28.—The skull was sent to Mr. Davis, who considers it unusually large, and to be that of a male about twenty years of age. An iron spear, 9 inches long, lay by the head. The lower part of the blade is 34 of an inch wide, with a shoulder 112 wide a little above the base, and tapering to 34 of an inch at the point. The blade is 6 inches long. A bow-shaped bronze fibula, 34 of an inch long, was found at the foot. This skeleton had only one leg.
No. 29.—2 feet 8 inches deep. The body of a child, with no reliques accompanying the deposit.
January 20. No. 30.—2 feet 9 inches deep. Two cruciform bronze fibulæ, one over each shoulder. These are 212 inches long and nearly similar; the pins have been of iron. One silver or white metal finger-ring was found about the middle of the body; it is a flat spiral band beaded round the edges. Twenty-three beads lay about the collar bones, seven of these are amber, four of blue glass, three of yellow and four of green opaque paste; two double beads of light green glass with broad streaks of yellow; the remainder are of vitrified paste of varied colour. One pair of bronze clasps; these lay by the left hand. Similar objects are figured in "Saxon Obsequies," No. 4, plate 12.
No. 31.—2 feet 10 inches deep. The body of a child. No reliques with the deposit.
No. 32.—3 feet 7 inches deep. This skeleton was pronounced by Mr. Davis to be that of a woman aged about forty-five. A cruciform bronze fibula lay by the head. The broad end of this ornament is semicircular, and surmounted by five flat studs set with glass over red foil; one is perfect. Compare brooches of a similar type, "Collectanea Antiqua," vol. ii., plate 50; and "Saxon Obsequies," No. 133, plate 8; Douglas's "Nenia," plate 15. Thirty-five beads lay about the collar bones, all of amber. A large cruciform fibula was discovered lying at the feet, elaborately chased and gilt, resembling in type No. 28, plate 5, "Saxon Obsequies." At each end of the angles of the broader end are projections set with leaf-shaped ornaments of red paste; a small annulet of the same is on the arch. Entire length, 7 inches. As the old fox-earth passed through this grave, I think this brooch had been displaced, having originally lain against the under jaw, which was deeply stained with bronze. An iron knife was placed by the thigh, 3 inches long.
No. 33.—3 feet deep. Head to the east. Two circular bronze fibulæ, formed of very thin plate, scyphate, and possibly once covered with some ornament; they measure 112 inch in diameter. These lay over the right shoulder. The pins are of bronze. One bronze pin, 434 inches long, lay by the left side of the head, perforated at the top for a ring; a triangular object of bronze, resembling a stud, with sharp angles, was found on the body; it is set with a triangular piece of glass over red foil. A pair of bronze clasps lay by the right hand, and twenty beads about the collar bones, fifteen are of amber, two of thick green glass, one long bead of the same colour, and two long blue beads of glass. An iron knife, 434 inches long, lay by right hand, the blade 34 of an inch wide. (See woodcut, fig. III.)
No. 34.—3 feet deep. This skeleton was found in the same grave with the preceding; the head towards the east. One iron spear, 1734 inches long, by right side. Length of blade 10 inches, 118 wide at base, 1 inch at point. This is the longest and largest spear I have seen; it has an open-slit socket. A pointed iron ferule for the end of the shaft of the spear lay by the thigh; it is 334 inches long, and has portions of wood in it. (See woodcut.) An iron relique of precisely similar fashion and dimensions, found in a tumulus at Chatham, is figured in the "Nenia," by Douglas, who supposed it to be a pike-head, like the Roman pilum. Plate 19, fig. 5, p. 77. Another is in the Faussett collection. Compare "Fairford Graves," plate 11, fig. 8. One iron knife, 534 inches long, lay by the thigh.
January 21. No. 35.—2 feet deep. No objects found with the deposit. Head to south-west. This skeleton was that of a child.
No. 36.—3 feet deep. Head to the south-west. Two thin circular plates of bronze, one of them tinned, measuring 1 inch in diameter, the other about 114 inch diameter, were found lying under the skull, and fitting over each other, being united by a small slip, or band of metal, forming a kind of hinge.
No. 37.—3 feet deep. Head to the east. Pronounced by Mr. Davis to have been the skeleton of a male of forty years. Thirty-one beads lay about the collar bones; twenty-six of amber, two of green glass with crimped sides, and three of blue glass.
No. 38.—3 feet deep. Head to the south-west. A young person. One bronze baud of a situla lay by the right side of the head. Half a chased and gilt clasp was found in this day's work. Its shape resembles No. 133, plate 12, "Saxon Obsequies."
January 22. No. 39.—4 feet 11 inches deep. One cruciform bronze fibula was found by the head, chased and strongly gilt, the broad end is set with a small lozenge of yellow paste. For a similar form compare plate 6, Douglas's "Nenia," fig. 2.
No. 40.—2 feet 6 inches deep. This skeleton was pro- nounced to be that of a female of twenty-eight years of age, with beautiful teeth. One small bronze cruciform fibula on the neck; one larger fibula, 434 inches long, lay about the middle of the body, chased and very strongly gilt, in most beautiful preservation, with square-shaped ornament at the broad end. 148 beads lay about the collar bones, all of amber of different sizes, with the exception of one large while crystal cut in facets, 12 inch thick, 114 inch diameter.
No. 41.—4 feet 6 inches deep. Head to the south-west. One bronze cruciform fibula was found, 412 inches long, chased and gilt, it lay upon the collar bones. The pin had been of iron. Similar type to the preceding. Sixty-four beads lay about the collar bones; two of these are of white crystal cut into facets, as that found with No. 40, one of paste variously coloured; two pieces of perforated bronze were found, and two of green glass; all the rest are of amber. Compare other examples of cut crystal beads, "Saxon Obsequies," plate 22. One circular bronze fibula lay by the left hip; it was plain and flat, 112 inch diameter; one iron knife, 3 inches long, by left hip; one flat ring of iron lay also by left hip, 1 inch diameter; it had been gilt ; one ring of round bronze wire, of serpent form, 1 inch diameter, and a singular flat-looped object of bronze lay with the rings. (See woodcut, original size.)
No. 42.—3 feet deep. No relique found with the deposit.
January 25. No. 43.—3 feet deep. One small bow-shaped bronze fibula, of Roman type, lay by the head, 114 inch long.
No. 44.—2 feet 4 inches deep. One pair of bronze clasps, 112 inch long, embossed and gilt, as No. 133, plate 12, "Saxon Obsequies;" five amber beads lay about the neck.
No. 45.—3 feet 6 inches deep. One circular bronze fibula by the left side; this is flat and strong, 134 inches in diameter, and ornamented with impressed markings forming concentric circles; the innermost has a single row of dots, the second circle is plain, the third a row of markings like a V, the fourth a row of annulets. Two silver, or white metal finger-rings were found upon the middle finger bone, as supposed, of the left hand; one is a single plain band, 34 of inch diameter, the other a double band formed to pass twice round the finger; it is prettily chased.
No. 46.—3 feet 6 inches deep. One iron spear by the head, measuring 13 inches in blade, width of blade. 134, at 2 inches from base. (See woodcuts. Fig. I.) The iron boss of a shield lay on the lower part of the body; it is of the same shape, and with five nails, as those found before; compare plate 37, "Saxon Obsequies." Three circular plates of iron were also found, belonging to the shield, 3 inches in diameter, like those with No. 15.
January 26. No. 47.—3 feet 7 inches deep. One flat bronze pin, 214 inches long, lay by the head; also one plain flat ring of bronze, 34 of inch diameter. An iron bridle bit. This is similar to that found in the graves at Wilbraham, "Saxon Obsequies," plate 38; but, in this instance, the horse did not appear to have been deposited with the human remains; the bit lay close to the skeleton, near it were two rings of iron, 2 inches diameter, probably belonging to the harness. Three beads of amber were found on the neck.
No. 48.—3 feet 1 inch deep. One iron spear was found at the head, measuring 9 inches in blade; socket broken.
January 27. No. 49.—3 feet 6 inches deep. An urn was found at the side of the head: height 314 inches, circumference, at middle, 12 inches, at top 9 inches, and at base 6 inches; it is of coarse black ware. Three cruciform bronze fibulæ by the head; these are all plain, 2 inches long; their pins have been of iron. Nineteen beads lay at the neck, all of amber, of flat circular form, and extraordinary size; diameter of the largest 2 inches, thickness 34 of inch; eight of the others measure 1 inch diameter, and 12 inch thick.
No. 50.—3 feet deep. No objects found with the deposit.
No 51.—3 feet deep. No objects found with the deposit.
No. 52.—4 feet 6 inches deep. Skeleton of an infant. No objects found with the deposit.
January 28. Burnt bullocks' bones and horses' teeth occurred this day.
No. 53.—2 feet deep. An iron boss of shield similar to those found before. A representation is here given. (See woodcuts, Fig. VII.)
No. 54.—1 foot deep. Parts of two iron buckles mounted with bronze attachments. A third brass coin of Gratianus, and one of Julia Mamæa, were discovered in this day's work.
Anglo-Saxon Antiquities, discovered in the Cemetery on Linton Heath, by the Hon. Richard C. Neville, January, 1803.
ANGLO-SAXON URNS, FOUND IN THE CEMETERY ON LINTON HEATH, BY THE HON. RICHARD C. NEVILLE, AND PRESERVED IN HIS MUSEUM AT AUDLEY END.
XVI.—Urn found in Grave No. 61.
(Height, 7 inches; in circumference, 1812.)
XVII.—Urn found in Grave No. 80.
(Height, 412 inches; in circumference, 16.)
No. 56.—2 feet 5 inches deep. An iron knife 412 inches long, 34 inch wide, at point 12 inch; one pair of iron shears, consisting of two knife blades, 312 inches long, of equal width; one of them has a ring at the end, to which the other was attached when found, but now broken. An urn lay by this body, of coarse black ware with perpendicular ribs, and a variety of curiously-arranged ornaments impressed upon the surface, in accordance with the peculiar process of manufacture which characterises the urns of the Saxon period. Compare the urns figured in "Saxon Obsequies." It measures 7 inches high, circumference at top 13 inches, middle 1812 inches, base 812 inches. It had no contents. (See woodcuts, Fig. XV.)
No. 57.—3 feet 8 inches deep.
No. 58.—3 feet 8 inches deep.
No. 59.—3 feet 8 inches deep.
No. 60.—3 feet 8 inches deep.
No. 61.—14 inches deep. A child of twelve or fourteen. In this, as also in the four graves last enumerated, no reliques were found with the deposit. An urn was found in the day's work, three feet deep; it had no contents, it was not deposited in a grave, and resembles in material, size, and shape, one of those found in Muttilow Hill, Fleam Dyke (Archaeol. Journal, vol. ix., p. 229, fig. 5). Another urn was also discovered this day, 14 inches deep, and of the same material, resembling in form No. 1 from Muttilow Hill. (See woodcuts. Fig. XVI.)
January 31.—A small bicornute ornament of bronze belonging to a situla, was found in this day's work outside the mound, probably from some grave disturbed in agriculture.
February 1. No. 62.—3 feet deep. A child of twelve or thirteen years of age. No reliques with the deposit. In the grave were also portions of the skull of an infant.
February 2. No. 63.—3 feet deep. A child. Three small amber beads were found, and one iron knife broken.
No. 64.—3 feet 6 inches deep. Head to the south-west. One iron sword, by the left side, 2 feet 912 inches long, inclusive of hilt; width of blade 34 inch at base, 114 near point; some of the wood of the scabbard remained on the blade, and the brass top was found as in No. 96, plate 34, "Saxon Obsequies." One iron boss of shield on the lap, of the same form as those found before; one iron knife broken; one iron buckle with bronze attachment; a pointed ferule for the butt of the spear, by left foot, 3 inches long, with remains of wood in it. (See cut. Fig. V.)
No. 65.—3 feet deep. A child. An iron knife was found, 334 inches long; and one bead of amber.
No. 66.—3 feet 7 inches. One spear, 812 inches long, with a ring of iron loose upon the socket when found, for fastening it to the shaft. (See woodcut. Fig. II.)
No. 67.—3 feet 7 inches deep. An iron knife 3 inches long.
No. 68.—3 feet 7 inches deep. No reliques with the deposit.
No. 69.—3 feet deep. One small bead of yellow vitrified paste was found by head.
No. 70.—3 feet 7 inches deep. One large bead by the head, of blue and white opaque vitrified composition, like those from Wilbraham, Nos. 44 and 96, plate 21, "Saxon Obsequies."
No. 71.—In the same grave with No. 70. One iron boss of a shield lay under the skull, which rested on the hollow, so that the head must have been placed in the targe. The shape is the same as those before described, and those from Wil- braham.
February 3. No. 72.—3 feet deep. A situla, (see woodcut, Fig. IX) was found by the left side of the head; it was removed entire, but the wooden staves had perished. It is of the same shape as that found in the grave before described, No. 9, with a bronze handle, ornamented with concentric circles and small impressed markings and bands, and, as those from Wilbraham, has bicornute ornaments on each side. (See cut, Fig. X. Compare "Saxon Obsequies," plate 17.) Height 434 inches, diameter 5 inches. One large and two smaller cruciform bronze fibulæ were found lying together upon the neck, nearly same length, 214 inches. A bronze wheelornament on the legs; this is of stout metal and, in place of a feloe, has a knob, from which four serpent-like spokes diverge to the outer circle. (See woodcut, Fig. XIII.) One portion of a pair of clasps, resembling No. 4, plate 12, "Saxon Obsequies." 141 beads lay about the neck; eighty of these are of blue glass, one of jet, four of amber, the rest of differently coloured vitrified paste. The cranium was too much perished to be removed.
No. 73.—4 feet 6 inches deep. A small glass vessel lay by the head; it was broken by the pick, but has been almost entirely restored. It is of thin greenish glass, and exactly similar to one found at Dinton, fig. 5, plate 16, Douglas's "Nenia." It measures 534 inches long, 234 inches in diameter at top, tapering to 34 of an inch at bottom, being funnel-shaped. The glass is ornamented with slender spiral rings, or threads of glass. The base is chipped irregularly, and it is possible that it may originally have terminated in a small flat foot. A large and entire cypræa, a sea shell, also lay by the head.
February 4. Nos. 74, 75.—2 feet 6 inches deep. No reliques found with these deposits; both the skeletons much decayed.
No. 76.—3 feet 6 inches deep. A small situla placed by the head; it fell to pieces when cleared from the earth. Two circular bronze fibulæ were found, one on each shoulder. These are scyphate, of strong metal, chased and gilt inside, resembling Nos. 2 and 3, plate 5, "Fairford Graves," and those from Ashendon, Bucks, (Journal of British Archæological Association, vol. iii. p. 346). They are both in good state, and much gilding remains on one. These, with the fibulæ in grave 33, are the only instances of the scyphate type which I have found in this part of the country. Two pair of bronze clasps were found, one by each hand, 112 inch long, and 12 inch wide. Four small amber beads, and one large white cut crystal bead, 18 of an inch thick, and 18 of an inch across the flat top, as in "Saxon Obsequies," plate 22. Two rings of bronze, spiral elastic bands for the finger, were found with the beads, on the body about the waist; also an iron knife broken, an iron hook, and a large ring, 2 inches in diameter, placed by the left thigh.
No. 77.—2 feet 4 inches deep. A small bronze ear-ring by the left side of head. It is of slight wire, with a piece of plain thin bronze plate appended to it, (See woodcut, original size.) Compare Lindenschmidt's " Todtenlager."
No. 78.—6 feet deep. The fox-earth had passed through this grave, and though most of the bones remained, there was no skull. In its place stood an urn, broken too much to allow of its being restored. One bronze needle with an eye, length 514 inches, was found in this day's work; it appears to be of Roman type.
February 5. No. 79.—2 feet 6 inches deep. The skeleton of a small child. Five beads by the left side of the head, one of amber, two of red opaque vitrified paste, one green, and one gray, of similar material.
No. 80.—3 feet deep. An iron spear, 5 inches long, lay by the head; width of blade, 12 an inch at base, and 14 inch near point. An urn was placed by the head, 412 inches high, with seven projecting ribs; it measures 16 inches in circumference, and 2 inches in diameter at top. (See woodcut, Fig. XVII).
No. 81.—2 feet 6 inches deep. This skeleton was pronouced by Professor Owen to be that of a male. One iron spear, 912 inches long, lay by the right shoulder; the shape is peculiar, the blade, 512 inches long, being triangular, measuring 3 inches across at widest, two inches from base, and narrowing abruptly to 112 inch at point. (See woodcut. Fig. IV.) It has an open-slit socket with iron pin in it for fastening the shaft. One iron boss of a shield was found by the left shoulder; it is of the same type as all the former examples. An iron knife, 314 inches long, and an iron buckle, lay by the left shoulder.
February 7. No. 82.—2 feet 9 inches deep. Nine blue glass beads on neck.
No. 83.—3 feet 8 inches deep. No objects found with the deposit. In the course of this day several human vertebræ and bones appeared scattered in the soil; and part of a bronze flat ring-fibula, probably from graves disturbed in agriculture.
February 8. No. 84.—2 feet 6 inches. Two bronze cruciform fibulæ, one over each shoulder, 212 inches long, resembling, in the shape of the broader ends, No. 164, plate 5, "Saxon Obsequies." One iron knife 4 inches long lay by the left thigh, with an iron buckle, 114 inch by 1; eight beads at the neck—three of amber, three of blue glass, one of white glass, one of blue and white opaque paste.
No. 85.—2 feet deep. The skeleton was pronounced by Mr. Davis to be that of a female. An urn was found by the head, of the usual black ware; it was unfortunately so broken that its restoration proved impracticable. Twenty-one beads on the neck, one of them of large size, of blue and white vitreous composition—two of amber, five of blue glass, seven of yellow and gray paste; two double beads of the same material (red), and two triple beads of gray colour. A small glass hollow bulb lay among the beads; it appears to be a broken end of some stem, like that of a drinking glass or vessel for perfume. One plain bronze flat ring-fibula was also found in the day's work.
February 9. Nos. 86, 87.—2 feet deep, in one grave. No objects found with the deposits. A few fragments of wood and bronze lay near them, which may possibly have been parts of a situla.
No. 88.—2 feet 6 inches deep. One iron ring, two inches in diameter, lay by the right thigh. More fragments of bodies occurred in this day's work; and a shank of an iron key with ring-shaped end.
February 11. No. 89.—4 feet 6 inches deep. An iron spear—socket, 3 inches long; blade, 312 inches; width of blade, 34 inch at base, 14 at point.
No. 90.—4 feet 6 deep. An infant. No reliques found with the deposit.
No. 91.—3 feet 4 inches deep. Skeleton of a child. No reliques found with the deposit.
February 12. No. 92.—5 feet deep. An urn was found placed by the head; it was of black ware, and much shattered. A pair of bronze clasps by the right hand, 114 inch long by 14 inch wide, with three holes in each portion for sewing them to the garments.
No. 93.—4 feet 7 inches deep. An urn was found by the right side of the head; it was removed entire, and is of black coarse ware, with the upper part shelving, stamped with circles; the lower part is plain. Height, 5 inches; circumference at middle, 22 inches; at base, 6 inches. This as the other urns before described, had no contents. Two penannular rings of bronze were found on the right shoulder, measuring 1 inch in diameter; eleven beads on the neck, one of them a large round bead of blue and white vitreous composition, four of blue glass, six of red and green opaque vitrified paste.
February 14. No. 94.—3 feet deep. Pronounced at the College of Surgeons to be the skeleton of a male of large stature, the height being upwards of 6 feet 6 inches. An iron boss of a shield lay by the right side of the head, of the same size and shape as those before described, and with the same number of nails for attachment to the shield. A portion of the lower jaw and the entire left tibia were sent to Professor Owen, and are preserved in the museum of the College of Surgeons. The light leg was not in the grave, making the second instance in this cemetery of a skeleton discovered with the bones of only one leg remaining. Part of the skull of an infant, as Professor Owen pronounced it to be, was also taken from this grave. Similar discoveries have been noticed before. An iron boss of a shield occurred in this day's work, of a similar type to those previously found here and at Wilbraham. This deposit, as it proved afterwards, had been placed on the edge of the mound.
No. 95.—4 feet 6 inches deep. An iron spear, 734 inches long. A piece of thick embossed Samian ware, and a white mortarium wore found this day; remains of Roman pottery had occurred all through the mound.
February 15. No. 96.—5 feet deep. The remains were pronounced by Mr. Davis to be those of a boy of about twelve years old. No reliques accompanied the deposit.
No. 97.—4 feet deep. No reliques with the deposit. Pronounced by Mr. Davis to be the remains of a female of forty-five years of age; cranium curiously flattened by posthumous distortion. A small ring of bronze and a circular piece of bone pierced for a neck ornament, with a fragment of a chased bronze fibula, were found in this day's work.
No. 98.—3 feet 5 inches deep. A cruciform bronze fibula lay by the left side, pierced at the two corners of the broad end. (Compare No. 172, plate 5, "Saxon Obsequies.") A pair of bronze tweezers, 1 inch long, was found in the day's work.
February 17. No. 99.—4 feet deep. A bronze stylus, 534 inches long, with a circular flat top for erasing; this lay by the feet. Its character appeared very Roman.
No. 100.—2 feet 8 inches deep. A bronze bow-shaped fibula, 2 inches long, similar to that figured No. 11, plate 9, "Saxon Obsequies."
February 21, No, 101.—4 feet 8 inches deep. Skeleton of a child. No reliques with the deposit.
A pair of ear-ornaments of slight bronze wire, hooked at each end, and having a small bead of green glass strung on the wire. These were found in the soil displaced from some interment. A third brass coin (Constantinopolis) also occurred in this day's work.
No. 102.—4 feet 8 inches. Pronounced by Mr. Davis to be the remains of a man of from thirty-five to forty years of age. An iron spear, 5 inches long, lay at the left side, with an iron knife 7 inches long (see Woodcuts, fig. VI.); an iron buckle was also found with the knife and spear, measuring 114 inch in each direction.
No. 103.—5 feet 4 inches deep. One portion of a pair of bronze clasps was discovered under the body, with a third brass coin of Constantino.
February 23. No. 104.—5 feet 4 inches deep. This skeleton was pronounced by Mr. Davis to be that of a male of forty years of age. A bronze pin by the left arm, 212 inches long, of Roman fashion. A bone comb was found in this grave, tolerably perfect, with a bone case to fit over the rows of teeth on each side up to the slips of bone in which they are fixed, formed like a modern card-case. Similar bone combs are figured in plate 23, "Saxon Obsequies," and in Lindenschmidt's "Todtenlager bei Selzen."
An urn of black ware was found, broken past restoration; also a bronze pin, 5 inches long, with round top; an iron spear, 7 inches long; an iron knife, 434 inches long, and a bone pin, 3 inches long.
All the last mentioned reliques were found in filling in the trenches and levelling the soil; they had probably been overlooked before, and had belonged to some of the graves; perhaps to those which contained numerous fragments of human bones, and had been disturbed in the operations of agriculture. As these deposits were frequent, in addition to the 104 skeletons, the cemetery must have been an extensive one. Appended is a catalogue of its contents.
| ORNAMENTS AND ARTICLES OF BRONZE. | |||||
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| WEAPONS AND ARTICLES OF IRON. | |||||
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| POTTERY, ETC. | |||||
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| COINS FOUND IN THE GRAVES. | |
| 1 | Vespasian, second brass, in fine state—Reverse, PAX AVG.—S. C. in field |
| 1 | Carausius, third brass—Reverse, PAX AVG. |
| 1 | Julia Mamæa, third brass—Reverse, Diana Lucifera. |
| 1 | Constantine, third brass—Reverse, Beata tranquillitas. |
| 1 | Constantius, third brass—Reverse, Gloria Exercitus. |
| 1 | Valens, third brass—Reverse, Gloria Romanorum. |
| 1 | Valens, third brass—Reverse, Securitas reipublicæ. |
| 1 | Gratianus, third brass—Reverse, Gloria novi sieculi. |
| 1 | Constantinopolis—Reverse, Winged figure with spear and shield. |
| 1 | Constantius—Reverse, Victoriæ D.D., Aug. N.N. |
| 10 | Total |
I have not enumerated in the above list of objects discovered, three or four, the use of which is not apparent; and to which I desire to call attention for an explanation of their appliances. They are—the curious large ring and key-shaped instrument round with the skeleton No. 9; the looped object of bronze with No. 19; the bronze double-pointed pricker, with No. 14; the circular bronze plates with No. 36, and the bronze wheel with No. 72. These, with the small glass vessel found with No. 73, are the only novelties which have been produced by this investigation, since the general features of the other ornaments, weapons, &c., found in the graves, so strongly resemble those of Wilbraham, excavated in 1851, as to need no comment beyond the remark, that no burnt human bones, bronze tweezers, bone combs, or other small objects, were contained in the vases discovered in the cemetery on Linton Heath. With the exception of this difference, the resemblance between the two is so striking, as to lead to the conclusion that they were burying-grounds of the same people.
By the kind permission of Dr. Ainslie, Master of Pembroke College, I have, during the autumn of 1853, examined four mounds of similar character on Linton Heath, but without further success.