Latest news with #HelenGeake
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
1,500-year-old pendant discovered in secret Norfolk location
A piece of early medieval jewellery that laid buried for almost 1,500 years has been declared an official treasure. Discovered by a metal detectorist, the 7th-century oval pendant consisting of gold and a cabochon garnet was found in north Norfolk during October last year. A treasure inquest held at Norfolk Coroner's Court heard that the piece is 'relatively small but beautifully made'. A gold and garnet pendant found in north Norfolk last year (Image: Norfolk County Council) Made sometime between c600AD and c700AD, it is an example of a well-known pendant type of that era. Its inspiration comes from Hellenistic jewellery, which is said to have a very classical, restrained appearance. The Hellenistic period, spanning from 323 BC to 30 BC, marked a significant era in ancient history and was characterised by the spread of Greek culture across a vast empire established by Alexander the Great. The pendant itself is constructed on a gold backplate, which has a border of thick beaded wire, flanked by a pair of slim plain wires, around the edge. The beading has been made with a swage or "beading file" - a tool which probably had a single groove flanked by teeth. On the reverse, the backplate is dented and hollowed in the centre. The gem is a very neatly shaped and highly polished cabochon which, although very dark, appears reddish. Dr Helen Geake (Image: Newsquest) A report from archaeologist Helen Geake, the county's finds liaison officer, was read to the court, based at County Hall in Norwich. In it, Dr Geake said the gem was 'probably a garnet'. It total, the piece weighs 1.90g, which is around the same weight of a pomegranate. The latest figures from the Ministry of Justice show there were 132 treasure finds declared to coroners in 2024 in Norfolk. This was more than the year before, when there were 95.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- The Sun
Prized ‘Bucket of Death' was stuffed with remains of ‘dead VIP' in bombshell Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo discovery
A MYSTERIOUS bucket found at Sutton Hoo in 1986 was stuffed with the remains of a dead VIP, archaeologists believe. This "bucket of death" contains the cremated remnants of both human and animal bones – solving a decades-old mystery. 8 8 8 Archaeologists say that the human remains found inside the posh Byzantine bucket belonged to an "important person". The so-called Bromeswell Bucket was discovered at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, an archaeological treasure trove with two major Anglo-Saxon burial sites dating back around 1,500 years. The site is famous for its undisturbed ship burial, which was found back in 1938. Pieces of the copper-alloy bucket have been unearthed over the decades, with a fresh discovery last year. The latest find was made by TV show Time Team working with the National Trust and FA Heritage. "Because of its proximity to fragments discovered much earlier, we had hoped this year's dig would yield more of the Bromeswell Bucket," said Angus Wainwright, of the National Trust. "Which originated from the Byzantine empire in the 6th century – around a hundred years before the ship and its extraordinary treasure was put to rest." Wainwright continued: "Thanks to closer inspection, we now believe that the bucket had been previously damaged and then repaired. "In-depth analysis of the metals suggest it might even have been soldered back together." The bucket contains a "very norther, very Germanic cremation", according to Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake. 'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic "It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo - it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials," she told the BBC. DIG IN! The discovery was made at Garden Field, which has now been fully metal detected. All of the items found at the site have been recorded in 3D and will be processed – so more discoveries might be on the horizon. The bucket itself has been a longstanding mystery for scientists. 8 8 8 It's decorated with a mysterious hunting scene that depicts naked warriors fighting with lions. And it has an inscription in Greek that says: "Use this in good health, Master Count, for many happy years". The latest dig unearthed the base of the bucket, which was packed with cremated remains. "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. 8 "Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community. "I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial." DECADES-LONG MYSTERY The bucket has been found in several parts, with the first discovery made in 1986. More parts were unearthed in 2012, with a fresh lot discovered in the latest Time Team digs. SUTTON HOO EXPLAINED Here's what you need to know... Sutton Hoo is an important archaeological site. It's the location of Anglo-Saxon cemeteries dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. The site is located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, UK. Excavations began in 1938 with the discovery of a ship burial packed with Anglo-Saxon treasures. Countless artefacts have been found at the site since then – with treasures still turning up today. The name Sutton Hoo comes from Old English with Sutton meaning "southern farmstead" and Hoo referring to "shaped like a heel spur". Picture Credit: Getty Images The bucket's base contained a burned comb with remarkably well-preserved teeth. Archaeologists believe it was likely made from an antler belonging to a deer. The human remains are believed to belong to a high-status individual, while the cremated animal bones have been linked to an animal that's "larger than a pig", like a horse. This may have been a way of showcasing the elite status of the person whose remains were stored in the bucket. 8 Human remains include parts of a skull and ankle bone. Details on the age and sex of the individual haven't been revealed, by archaeologists hope to probe the comb for long-lost DNA that may shed light on the person inside the bucket. "This year's dig has been fantastic, and we've really been able to piece together part of a 40-year mystery and unearth a new chapter in the Sutton Hoo story," said Time Team creator Tim Taylor.
STV News
20-05-2025
- General
- STV News
Byzantine bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo ‘contained remains of important person'
A sixth century Byzantine bucket which has been pieced back together after fragments of it were found at Sutton Hoo was used to contain the remains of an 'important person', an archaeologist said. It is hoped that further analysis will uncover more about the special cremation burial after further pieces of the bucket were discovered at the Suffolk site during a Time Team dig last year. The entire base of the Bromeswell bucket was found intact and a comb, probably made from antler, was found unburnt. The copper alloy bucket, decorated with a hunting scene, is thought to have been made several decades before the famous Sutton Hoo ship and its treasure were buried. Angus Wainwright, National Trust archaeologist, 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. 'Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community. 'I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial.' Cremated human and animal bones confirm the bucket was used as a cremation vessel. The human bones included part of an ankle bone and fragments of skull, and these are being analysed to understand the cremation process and what was on the funeral pyre. The human bones could not be sexed, but it is hoped that ancient DNA from the owner might survive on the comb. The animal bones belonged to a species larger than a pig. Horses were often included on early Anglo-Saxon cremation pyres as a sign of status. Fragments of the 1,400-year-old Greek inscribed bucket were first uncovered at Sutton Hoo in 1986, with further pieces found in 2012 before last year's discovery. Concentric rings visible in CT scans indicate the bucket was made by cold hammering. Visitors can see the main fragment on display at Sutton Hoo, on long-term loan from the Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust. It is decorated with a hunting scene, with men armed with swords and shields, and animals including lions and dogs. The latest fragments include feet, paws, the base of shields and even the missing face of one of the men. The bucket base and comb will now be carefully conserved to allow further study and reconstruction. Helen Geake, Time Team's Anglo-Saxon expert, said: 'We've finally solved the puzzle of the Bromeswell bucket – now we know that it is the first of these rare objects ever to have been used in a cremation burial. 'It's a remarkable mixture – a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation. 'It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo – it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials. 'Who knows what else it might still hold?' The second phase of Time Team's research collaboration project with FAS Heritage and the National Trust will continue until June 13. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
ITV News
20-05-2025
- General
- ITV News
Sixth-century Byzantine bucket found at Sutton Hoo was 'used to hold remains of VIP'
A sixth-century Byzantine bucket which has been pieced back together after fragments of it were found at Sutton Hoo was used to contain the remains of an 'important person', archaeologists believe. It is hoped that further analysis will uncover more about the special cremation burial after further pieces of the bucket were discovered at the Suffolk site during a Time Team dig last year. The entire base of the Bromeswell bucket was found intact and a comb, probably made from antler, was found unburnt. The copper alloy bucket, decorated with a hunting scene, is thought to have been made several decades before the famous Sutton Hoo ship and its treasure were buried. Angus Wainwright, National Trust archaeologist, 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. 'Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community. 'I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial.' Cremated human and animal bones confirm the bucket was used as a cremation vessel. The human bones included part of an ankle bone and fragments of skull, and these are being analysed to understand the cremation process and what was on the funeral pyre. The human bones could not be sexed, but it is hoped that ancient DNA from the owner might survive on the comb. The animal bones belonged to a species larger than a pig. Horses were often included on early Anglo-Saxon cremation pyres as a sign of status. Fragments of the 1,400-year-old Greek inscribed bucket were first uncovered at Sutton Hoo in 1986, with further pieces found in 2012 before last year's discovery. Concentric rings visible in CT scans indicate the bucket was made by cold hammering. Visitors can see the main fragment on display at Sutton Hoo, on long-term loan from the Annie Tranmer Charitable Trust. It is decorated with a hunting scene, with men armed with swords and shields, and animals including lions and dogs. The latest fragments include feet, paws, the base of shields and even the missing face of one of the men. The bucket base and comb will now be carefully conserved to allow further study and reconstruction. Helen Geake, Time Team's Anglo-Saxon expert, said: 'We've finally solved the puzzle of the Bromeswell bucket – now we know that it is the first of these rare objects ever to have been used in a cremation burial. 'It's a remarkable mixture – a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation. 'It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo – it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials. 'Who knows what else it might still hold?' The second phase of Time Team's research collaboration project with FAS Heritage and the National Trust will continue until 13 June.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Sutton Hoo Byzantine bucket believed to be cremation vessel
A 6th Century Byzantine bucket that has been pieced back together is believed to have been a cremation vessel, according to archaeologists. Fragments of the bucket were first discovered at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, in 1986 with more found in 2012 and last have revealed that cremated human and animal bones were found within the base of the bucket, with the human remains believed to belong to an "important person" in the Wainwright, National Trust archaeologist, said he hoped further analysis would "uncover more information about this very special burial". The TV show Time Team found pieces of the bucket last year, as part of a two-year research project with FAS Heritage and the National Trust exploring the earlier history of the site. The copper alloy bucket, decorated with a hunting scene, is thought to have been made several decades before the famous Sutton Hoo ship and its treasures were buried at the site. The human bones found in last year's dig included part of an ankle bone and fragments of the sex could not be determined, it is hoped that ancient DNA from the owner might have survived on an unburnt comb that was bones that were found belonged to a species larger than a pig. Horses were often included on early Anglo-Saxon cremation pyres as a sign of bucket base and comb will now be carefully conserved to allow further study and reconstruction. "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," Mr Wainwright said."Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community."I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial." Helen Geake, Time Team's Anglo-Saxon expert, said the "puzzle" of the bucket had "finally" been solved."It's a remarkable mixture - a vessel from the southern, classical world containing the remains of a very northern, very Germanic cremation," she said."It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo - it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials."Who knows what else it might still hold?"Time Team's Sutton Hoo findings can be watched on YouTube in a four-part documentary titled The Sutton Hoo Dig. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
