Stunning new discoveries from the burial site of Southend's Saxon king, including an ornate drinking horn, scythe and iron stand, have been revealed.
Amazing - Elizabeth Barham with the drinking horn Picture: LUAN MARSHALL
Late last year, archaeologists working near Priory Park in Prittlewell uncovered the burial chamber of a wealthy seventh century aristocrat, discovering items forming the most significant archaeological discovery of its kind for 50 years.
Many items, including a gold buckle, and foil Christian crosses, were placed on display at Southend museum in February, attracting record numbers of visitors.
Only after compacted soil removed from the site was X-rayed and further conservation work completed did the latest finds reveal themselves.
Project conservator Elizabeth Barham, who grew up in Leigh and is now heading the conservation work at the Museum of London, said the new finds may prove the king was a wealthy farmer.
She said: "These finds are absolutely outstanding, but it is hard to know what they really mean. The gambling pieces may have been placed there to signify his strategic strength and good fortune or his ability to fight."
Published Wednesday July 14, 2004
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