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Square-Headed Brooch from Brighthampton, Oxfordshire

Brooch from Brighthampton (AN1966.121)

This square-headed brooch (AN1966.121) was excavated from an Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Brighthampton by J.Y. Akerman and Stephen Stone in 1857-58.

It was found in a female grave (grave no.51).

The grave also contained:
Amber bead from Brighthampton (AN1966.124)
  • pair of disc brooches
  • amber bead
  • iron knife
Knife from Brighthampton (AN1966.123)
Buckle plate from Brighthampton (AN1966.125)
  • buckle plate
  • strap-end
Strap ends from Brighthampton (AN1966.125)

What do these objects tell us about this Anglo-Saxon woman?

These objects tell us this woman was wearing the usual Anglo-Saxon dress fastened by the disc brooches and possibly with a necklace for the amber bead. She may have been wearing a cloak fastened with the square-headed brooch. It also seems she was wearing a belt with a buckle and strap-end. She was also carrying a knife.

The number of objects and large brooch tell us she or her family was relatively wealthy or important in her local community.

Back Find out more about Anglo-Saxon brooches Find out more about the cemetery at Brighthampton
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