Anglo Saxons in Early Louth.
Cremation urns
Large brooch
At the end of the fifth century, Anglo-Saxons from the part of Europe that today we know as Germany, settled in the area around Louth.
At the border between South Elkington and Louth there is an early Anglo-Saxon cemetery, where throughout 1946 and 1947 there were multiple archaeological digs. An estimated 1200 burials were found, despite only a quarter of the land being dug up. Many urns were discovered in fragments and pieced back together, a sample of which can be seen in Louth Museum!
On the outskirts of Louth, two brooches were discovered. These would have been both decorative and functional – to fasten clothes together. One was small and simple, more typical of the fifth century and the other larger and more intricate and most probably from the sixth century. Small-long brooches were cheaper, simpler and always made in one piece therefore making them more common. The larger, ‘Florid’ brooch, which is decorated with abstract designs, suggests a rich owner and so is more rare. Both of these brooches provide evidence for another Anglo-Saxon cemetery being established by the late sixth century, probably on the crest of the London Road.
The Anglo Saxons strongly believed in mystery and magic, something which seems rather odd in today’s world. They particularly believed in the power of trees. For example, an ill child could be cured if it walked through an ash tree and the burning of logs was said to keep evil spirits way. What is your opinion on this? Do you think it sounds real?!
Both the brooches and urns described here can be seen in Louth Museum!