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New York Post
29-05-2025
- 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?'
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Byzantine bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo ‘contained remains of important person'
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. The Bromeswell Bucket has been unearthed over several years (David Brunetti/ National Trust Images/PA) '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.
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- General
- Western Telegraph
Byzantine bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo ‘contained remains of important person'
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. The Bromeswell Bucket has been unearthed over several years (David Brunetti/ National Trust Images/PA) '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.
Glasgow Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Byzantine bucket unearthed at Sutton Hoo ‘contained remains of important person'
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. The Bromeswell Bucket has been unearthed over several years (David Brunetti/ National Trust Images/PA) '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.
Wales Online
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Our Dream Farm: This family have just won a 15-year tenancy at one of Wales' most remote farms
Our Dream Farm: This family have just won a 15-year tenancy at one of Wales' most remote farms The newly-engaged couple, who both come from Welsh farming backgrounds, moved into the farm just before Christmas Ioan Jones and Sara Jenkins won the farm on the second series of Our Dream Home (Image: National Trust Images Iolo Penri ) One lucky couple have won a 15-year tenancy of a 613-acre farm in the foothills of Yr Wyddfa. In the series finale of the Channel 4 series Our Dream Farm saw a Welsh couple win a picturesque four-bedroom farmhouse in what they described as a dream. Ioan Jones and Sara Jenkins, both 28, come from Welsh farming backgrounds with Ioan growing up on his parent's beef and sheep farm in Boduan, Gwynedd and Sara on her family farm in Tal-y-Bont, Ceredigion. Since moving into the farm just before Christmas they got engaged on it. The show, which concluded on May 3, follows seven applicants passionate about sustainable farming compete to win a farm. They must present business plans, discuss their vision for the farm and experience life on the National Trust Cymru estate by taking part in real-life farming tasks and experiences. Some of the tests include handling livestock, going to auction, selling produce at a market in Portmeirion, welcoming tourists to the farm's holiday lets and more. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Presenter Matt Baker said he had no doubts the pair would be "brilliant tenants" (Image: National Trust Images Iolo Penri ) The farmhouse, Llyndy Isad, has lowland fields, woodlands and mountain pasture and a four-bedroom farmhouse on the shores of Llyn Dinas. It also comes with a two-bedroom annex and two bothies, which are free to use shelters for hikers. Article continues below The couple moved in just before Christmas and said it had been a dream to have their own family farm. They are currently living in the annex while letting the four-bedroom farmhouse as a holiday home, which Sara added was fully booked this month. Ioan said: "We're so glad to have been chosen and can't wait to build a life here together in this beautiful location. Farm tenancies are hard to come by and opportunities like this don't come up very often and so you have to seize the opportunity when it comes up and go for it like we did." The farmhouse from across the Llyn Dinas (Image: National Trust Images Iolo Penri ) He added: "We have been busy over the past few months getting to know the farm and landscape, settling in and tending to our flock of 65 sheep. We are currently in the middle of our first lambing season. Fortunately, it's been great weather which is a massive help for lambing. "We are also looking for Welsh black heifers to buy so we can start our own herd. "The bothy has also been very busy with guests so far and we hope to open a second bothy by the start of the summer. Hopefully they will be successful and get busier and busier as word spreads on social media." Since acquiring the farm the couple have also been working with the National Trust and Eryri National Park to discuss creating a small overflow car park for hikers and a small campsite on their land. They are also in the process of adding beds and other comforts to the bothy. One of two bothies which comes with the farmhouse (Image: National Trust Images Iolo Penri ) They have also keep in contact with the other contestants through a group chat, having recently gone for Sunday lunch with Ryan, Lowri and Greg. Article continues below Presenter Matt Baker said he was "delighted" the couple had won. He added: Over the three weeks they proved to be very at home in the challenging landscape of Eryri and I have no doubt that they'll be brilliant tenants. Not only are they a wonderful couple, they're passionate farmers and talented land managers who I'm sure will be an asset to the farm and the Trust."
