Latest news with #Anglo-Saxons
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Small town home to famous singer that people struggle to pronounce
Witham in Essex is a prominent town in the county with a number of famous faces hailing from the area including singer Olly Murs and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Essex - famed for its rich diversity - stands out as one of England's most eclectic counties, boasting an enchanting blend of bustling cityscapes, charming coastal towns, and idyllic rural retreats, all woven with a tapestry of historical significance. The county is strategically connected to London through robust infrastructure and the natural route provided by the River Thames, which has historically made it a magnet for invasions from Romans, Vikings and Anglo-Saxons. Such a storied heritage often leaves those not from Essex tongue-tied when trying to pronounce local place names. This even trips up public figures; many find themselves caught out when attempting local appellations, including Witham. Witham, where pop star Olly Murs hails from, is renowned in Essex but often mispronounced due to confusion over its 'th'. Rather than a soft 'th' like in 'bath', Witham sports a hard 't', rightly pronounced 'Witt-ham'. Even former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak once fumbled over the name during Prime Minister's Questions on May 22 last year. He stumbled responding to Sir John Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, who raised concerns his constituents had been waiting for a new hospital at St Peter's "for over 20 years". The plans indicated the possibility of the current facility closing without a replacement lined up, reports Essex Live. Sir Whittingdale said to the Prime Minister: "It leaves my constituents and those of Ms Priti Patel [MP for Witham] having to travel up to 30 miles for some treatments,". Mr Sunak responded: "I know that he [Sir Whittingdale] and the Right Honourable Friend for Witham met both the Minister of State for Health and Secondary Care and the Minister for Social Care recently to discuss this. "I understand the ICB have extended their consultation to be extended for three weeks to ensure that more consideration can be given and voices can be heard, but I will ensure that the relevant ministers keep my Right Hon Friend updated on the progress of this."
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Learn about June's full moon, including how it got its name and when you can see it
The next full moon is nearly here, and it's the last full moon of spring. Here's what's to come this month. The next full moon, a strawberry moon, will be visible on June 11 at 3:44 a.m., according to Almanac. Ahead of the full moon, the first quarter moon will appear on June 2 at 11:41 p.m., followed by the last quarter moon on June 18 at 3:19 p.m. and the last quarter moon on June 25 at 6:31 a.m., according to Almanac. June's full moon is the strawberry moon, named after the small wild strawberries that ripen at this time of the year, according to Almanac. The strawberry moon is also known as the 'hot moon,' 'green corn moon' and 'berries ripen moon' to Native American tribes; the 'horse moon,' 'rose moon' and 'dyan moon' in Celtic culture; and the 'mead moon' to Anglo-Saxons, a nod to the moon occurring during a time of year meant for mowing the meads, or meadows, according to Around every 20 years, the strawberry moon coincides with the summer solstice, occurring on either June 20, 21 or 22. ICYMI: ChristianaCare to take on 5 Crozer Health outpatient locations with $50M bid Looking ahead, July's full moon is called the 'buck moon' and will be visible on July 10 at 4:36 p.m. It signifies the new antlers that emerge on a deer buck's forehead around this time of year after they shed their previous pair, Farmers Almanac reports. Embody your favorite Blue Hen at home: Want to play as a Blue Hen? Delaware added to EA Sports 'College Football 26' video game The buck moon is also known as the 'raspberry moon,' 'claiming moon,' 'salmon moon,' 'wyrt moon' and 'herb moon,' among other names, according to Native American and Celtic tradition, according to Some refer to July's full moon as the thunder moon, due to the frequent thunderstorms during the summer, or the hay moon, in honor of the hay harvest in July. Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@ This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: When is the next full moon? Details on June 2025 full moon
New York Post
5 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Archaeologists solve grim mystery of 1,500-year-old bucket found at historic tourist site
Archaeologists recently discovered the purpose of a mysterious 1,500-year-old bucket at one of England's most historic sites – and it wasn't pleasant. The National Trust released a statement about the Byzantine Bromeswell bucket, found at Sutton Hoo, in May. The site of two ancient Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, Sutton Hoo has offered a wealth of knowledge about pre-Norman British history since its first excavation in 1938. During an excavation last summer, archaeologists unearthed the base of the Bromeswell bucket, which dates back to the 6th century. Different fragments of the bucket were uncovered in past excavations, but this latest discovery gave researchers more to study. With the base in hand, researchers quickly went to work to analyze the artifact with a variety of techniques, including computerized tomography, CT scans and X-rays – and they found an answer. In a morbid turn of events, experts learned the bucket was used to hold the cremated remains of an important person, and their grave goods. 'The cremated human and animal bones uncovered confirm the find was used as a cremation vessel,' the National Trust noted. A statement was released by The National Trust that the Byzantine Bromeswell bucket was found earlier this month. National Trust/David Brunett The organization added, 'Cremated human bones included parts of a talus (ankle bone) and fragments of a skull vault (the upper part of the skull that protects the brain).' The bucket dates back to the 500s. It's decorated with a hunting scene depicting men armed with swords and shields, as well as dogs and lions – painting a vivid picture of life in the past. 'The latest fragments include feet, paws, the base of shields and even the missing face of one of the men,' the statement described. It is believed the bucket came from Antioch in the Byzantine Empire, now located in modern Turkey. The National Trust noted, 'Letterforms used within the bucket's design suggest it was made in the 6th century, meaning it was already 100 years old when it arrived here at Sutton Hoo.' Researchers also found 'a mystery object' that turned out to be a double-sided comb made from an antler. Interestingly, the object had not been burned. The National Trust said the presence of the comb suggests the Anglo-Saxons took grooming seriously, as combs have been found in male and female burials before. Archaeologists recently found a 1,500-year-old bucket at an ancient Anglo-Saxon cemetery in Sutton Hoo, one of England's most historical sites. National Trust Images/James Dobson 'Slightly less romantically, combs also would have been useful in the control of lice,' the statement said. 'Although the human bone in the cremation couldn't be sexed, it's hoped that ancient DNA from the owner might survive on the comb, and analysis could reveal more about them.' National Trust archaeologist Angus Wainwright said that he was 'hopeful' future research will uncover new insight into 'this very special burial.' 'We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried,' Wainwright said. 'Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community.' Anglo-Saxon expert Helen Geake told the National Trust the puzzle of the Bromeswell bucket has 'finally' been solved. 'Now we know that it is the first of these rare objects ever to have been used in a cremation burial,' she said. 'It's a remarkable mixture – a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation.' She also said the find 'epitomizes the strangeness' of Sutton Hoo, which has captivated British history enthusiasts for decades. 'It has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials,' Geake observed. 'Who knows what else?'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
1,500-year-old bucket was cremation burial vessel, archaeologists say
A 1,500-year-old bucket discovered in England has been identified as an ancient cremation burial vessel, experts said. The 6th-century bucket was found at Sutton Hoo, an archaeological site near Suffolk, England, that is home to two ancient cemeteries. Fragments of the bucket, named the Bromeswell bucket, were first found in 1986. Researchers found more pieces of the relic last year during an excavation by Time Team, a British TV show where archaeologists conduct excavations on-camera. An analysis of the newly-discovered pieces determined that Time Team had found the entire base of the bucket, and that it contained human bone fragments, the National Trust, a U.K.-based conservation organization, said in a news release. The bones included part of an ankle bone and fragments of a skull, which the National Trust said was proof of an "early Anglo-Saxon cremation burial." Angus Wainwright, a National Trust archaeologist, said in the news release that the burial appeared to be "very special," and that researchers will conduct further analysis. There were also animal bones inside the bucket, which is made of copper alloy and is decorated with a hunting scene. The National Trust said the bones were larger than those of a pig, and noted that horses were often included on funeral pyres as a symbol of status during this time. The bones will undergo radiocarbon dating, the National Trust said. "We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said. "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community." The bucket was made in the Byzantine Empire and may have been a diplomatic gift or acquired by a mercenary Saxon soldier, the National Trust said. The vessel is decorated with a scene of men armed with swords and shields. The scene also includes lions and dogs. The newest fragments help complete the picture, showing feet, paws, the base of shields and the face of one hunting man. Also inside the bucket was a double-sided comb that the National Trust said was likely made from antler. The agency said its researchers hope ancient DNA can be recovered from the object. The item was not burned in the cremation process, the National Trust noted. The inclusion of such combs in other burial sites suggest that "personal appearance and grooming was important to the Anglo-Saxons." The comb could also have been used to control lice, the trust said. Plant remains were found during the excavation of the bucket pieces. Analysis of those pieces could "reveal more about the climate and seasonality around the time the bucket was buried," the National Trust said. Time Team aired a documentary about the discovery and year-long analysis project earlier in May. The group will conduct more research at Sutton Hoo through mid-June. Trump delivers Memorial Day remarks at Arlington National Cemetery Full interview: Jack McCain on "Face the Nation" Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard
Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
People only just realising 'fascinating' reason UK cities have specific names
Have you ever wondered why many places around the UK have similar name endings? They are not just random, and each has a meaning behind it - and people are only just realising Have you ever wondered how your city or town gets it name? Our UK place names are often used in our day to day vocabulary - whether it's referencing where you live, moving to, or travelling to - and people are only just realising where they came from. As the last ice sheet retreated about 10,000 years ago, and temperatures began to warm up, humans began to repopulate the British Isles - and they started to label the things they saw. The oldest place names are often derived Celtic and Anglo-Saxon languages and reference the surrounding landscape, such as rivers, hills, or other geographical features. Personal names are also a big part of place names. There are enough Kingstons and Bishopstones to make us think it was the most important people who had these places named after them. Viral page, Globetrots on TikTok, often shares educational information and fun facts about the UK, from naming the most dangerous areas, to worst roundabouts, and spots with the strictest teachers. Recently, the presenter on the page said: "Have you ever wondered why so many places in the UK end with things like 'ham', 'ton', 'by' and 'caster'? "Well there's actually a reason this, they're not just random endings." Starting with places named 'ham', such as Nottingham, Birmingham, and Gillingham, Globetrots explained that this comes from the old English meaning of hām, meaning homestead or village. Globetrots added: "So, if your area ends in ham, it was probably settled by the Anglo-Saxons around 1,400 years ago." Another common ending for place names is the UK is 'ton', including places such as Taunton, Luton and Brighton. These names derive from the old English word tūn which meant a farm, an enclosure - even an early kind of village. These names are also Anglo-Saxon. "These ones are everywhere, kind of the ancient equivalent of a new build," insisted Globetrots. Next up is the places ending with 'by', such as Whitby, Grimsby and Derby. Globetrots said: "By literally meant village in Old Norse. These names are all over the north and east." We also have places ending with 'caster', 'chester' and 'cester', such as Todcaster, Doncaster, Chester, Bicester, Colchester, Manchester, and Gloucester. These endings come from Latin. Globetrots explained further: "If you area end with one of these, it started out as a military site over 1,800 years ago." Concluding how we got our places names, the viral page added: "And if you map all these places out you can literally see how the UK was built. Anglo Saxon names in the south, Viking names in the east and north and Roman names clustered along old roads and frontiers. The names are basically 1,000 year old historical labels telling you who once claimed the land." English Hertiage states: "You'll begin to notice some simple suffixes like 'ton' (farm or hamlet), 'ham' (village or estate), 'ly' or 'ley' (wood or a clearing), 'stow' (place or meeting place) and 'bury' (fort). These might be appended to names of local landmarks like rivers, making the meaning fairly obvious, as with the village of Isham in Northamptonshire. The river Ise is nearby, so Isham simply means 'the village by the river Ise'." One individual commented on the video which has raked in over one million views, and noted: "Ham became hamlet, ton became town." Another shared: "Something ends with 'wick' also came from 'vik' in Old Norse hence Viking influence." One other added: "Anywhere that ends in Bury is Anglo saxon. Usually means fortified town." One asked: "What about mouth? Weymouth, Plymouth, etc," to which one individual responded, "that usually means it's by the sea, like the 'mouth' of the river as it reaches the sea". "That's cool," said another watcher of the video. "That's so crazy," said another. "This is fascinating," added another, learning about the name history for the first time. "Everything means farm in old English," joked another.
