File:Early-medieval Assemblage; Skeleton excavation (FindID 717007).jpg

English: TREASURE CASE 2015 T270. INITIAL RECORD OF DISCOVERY (see below for Curator's report).
A copper alloy long handled pan, associated silver mounts as well as box hinges and mounts were discovered by a metal detecting user on 28th March 2015. The detectorist stopped exploration and over the following few days a controlled archaeological excavation was carried out. The grave of an adult female was exposed, and a number of other artefacts were found and recorded in situ. The pan appears to have been in a wooden box, which was decorated with c.10 copper alloy sub-rectangular mounts (undecorated) and a rectangular copper alloy lock plate, decorated with five rows and an outer border of ring-and-dot decoration. Part of the metal lock mechanism survives as a corroded lump. Copper alloy rivets from the lock plate and from the box mounts were recovered. Copper salt has preserved wood in some areas. There may also have been a deposit of seeds to the left of the skull, possibly also within the confines of the box.

The skeleton was very well preserved. Oriented south - north, with the head to the south, the box was located to the left of the head. Around the neck was a fine copper alloy chain possibly associated with a ring-headed pin. Another round-headed pin was discovered about level with the nasal cavity and was initially interpreted as a shroud, or head-scarf pin.

Other grave goods were present within the burial. A large amber bead was found between the left arm and rib cage. Just below the pelvis was a very large, faceted rock crystal on an iron chain, possibly a pendant or amulet suspended around the waist. Upon lifting the skeleton, a large antler disc was located beneath the spine roughly in the middle of the back. There is a large central perforation and several smaller holes around the outer edge. This may have been another amulet, or an item of dress (or hair) accessory.

The burial was laid with the left hand situated on the pelvis, and the right hand apparently placed on top of a rock. It is likely that there were other organic objects to the left of the body, but neither these, nor any trace, survives.

In all there were c. 36 objects recovered, plus several fragments of these (i.e. iron chains, rivets etc). At least one of these objects is silver, and because the burial is likely to be 6th or 7th century AD and therefore over 300 years old, this and the other grave goods (by association) constitute Treasure under the stipulations of the Treasure Act 1996. Research ongoing.