Sheffield experts unearth Saxon island in Lincolnshire field

Ornate tools from the eighth century have been discovered in a ploughed field near LouthOrnate tools from the eighth century have been discovered in a ploughed field near Louth
Ornate tools from the eighth century have been discovered in a ploughed field near Louth
EXPERTS from Sheffield have discovered the remains of an Anglo-Saxon island in Lincolnshire - said to be one of the most important archaeological finds in decades.

The island, once home to a Middle Saxon settlement, was found at Little Carlton near Louth. It is thought the site is a previously unknown monastic or trading centre, but researchers believe their work so far has revealed only an glimpse of the complete settlement.

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The discovery was made after local metal detectorist Graham Vickers unearthed a silver stylus - an ornate writing tool dating from the eighth century, from a disturbed plough field.

Artefacts unearhed since include 20 more styli, around 300 dress pins, and a huge number of ‘Sceattas’, coins from the 7th-8th centuries, as well as a small lead tablet bearing the faint but legible letters spelling ‘Cudberg’, a female Anglo-Saxon name.

Ornate tools from the eighth century have been discovered in a ploughed field near LouthOrnate tools from the eighth century have been discovered in a ploughed field near Louth
Ornate tools from the eighth century have been discovered in a ploughed field near Louth

Dr Hugh Willmott from the Sheffield University’s Department of Archaeology, said: “Our findings have demonstrated that this is a site of international importance, but its discovery and initial interpretation has only been possible through engaging with a responsible local metal detectorist who reported their finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme.”

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