'Dramatic' ancient cemetery found

[Heimdallr]

A freelance archaeologist has uncovered what is thought to be the only known Anglo-Saxon royal burial site in the north of England... Spectacular gold jewellery, weapons and clothing were found at the 109-grave cemetery, believed to date from the middle of the 7th Century.

Tees Archaeology officer Robin Daniels said: "This is the only known Anglo-Saxon royal burial site in the North of England...
"It is the most dramatic find of Anglo-Saxon material for generations."

BBC >>> Dramatic ancient cemetery found


The artefacts will be valued by panel
of experts from the British Museum

[Llywarch Hen]

The most exciting event in English archaeology for decades! (Rather subjective, I must admit, as I am a Northerner, and the graves are of my own Kings and Queens, and that Essex Kingly burial recently was just as if not more impressive in its own way!)
More pictures, and a brief video are to be found here:
http:/www.bbc.co.uk/tees/content/articles/2007/11/20/loftus_hoard_video_feature.shtml

[Menydh]

Originally Posted by Llywarch Hen

as I am a Northerner, and the graves are of my own Kings and Queens

I thought that you were a Cumbrian.

[Llywarch Hen]

Originally Posted by Mynydd

I thought that you were a Cumbrian.

Cumberland was an integral part of the Northumbrian Kingdom that the Kingly family whose graves have been discovered ruled over.
Individuals in the cemetery would doubtless have known the western end of Hadrian's Wall as well as the eastern. King Oswald (very likely the husband, or relative of the Queen they've discovered) has a fort on the western end of the wall named after him - Birdoswald (Buardd - Enclosure, with British word order being observed). The western side of the Pennines also has a settlement called Oswaldtwistle. The church in Grassmere in Westorland is dedicated to the very same St Oswald. King Oswiu, brother of Oswald married the heiress to the Rheged (Cumbrian) throne, Riemmelth (Rhiainfelth), and it may even be her grave that is in question).

My grandfather came from Northumberland, which was the heartland of the Bernician Kingdom that formed the northern half of Northumbria, therefore keeping its name. My male line may descend from Irish who came to Cumberland in the late Nineteenth Century, but it's difficult to prove.

[Menydh]

Originally Posted by Llywarch Hen

Cumberland was an integral part of the Northumbrian Kingdom that the Kingly family whose graves have been discovered ruled over.

I see. Sort of like when any member of the Commonwealth speaks of the Queen of England as his own queen..