Ground gives up its Dark Age secrets

Archaeological findings in Leicestershire provide further understanding of Anglo-Saxon life in the early Dark Ages

By Mark Cantrell

The eye dig — The dig at Eye Kettleby, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

THE excavation of one of the largest-known early Anglo-Saxon settlements in the country has shed light on what life was like in the Dark Ages.

Discovered at Eye Kettleby, near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, the settlement has allowed archaeologists to further their knowledge not only of Anglo-Saxon Leicestershire and Rutland, but Anglo-Saxon England too.

The settlement dates back to the early medieval period, between the 5th and 7th centuries CE. This period is more commonly known in popular understanding as the Dark Ages, following the fall of the Roman Empire in Western Europe.

The Dark Ages prompted a major social, economic and political change in Europe and the UK. It was also a time which saw increased migration across the continent.

“The Dark Ages is a period poorly understood, due to the near absence of written records,” said Dr Gavin Speed, project manager at the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS). “Archaeological evidence is therefore of the utmost importance, although the archaeological remains do not often survive well.”

A team from ULAS have excavated the site, revealing over 50 structures, along with fire pits, and post-built fences. But it wasn’t just the relics of the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants’ built environment they found.

Archaeologists found an unusually large collection of pottery at the site, which has advanced understanding of regional pottery traditions. Zooarchaeological and botanical data have also allowed for a detailed analysis of diet, and the various activities undertaken at the settlement.

ULAS has published its findings in a new book, The Anglo-Saxon Settlement at Eye Kettleby, Leicestershire, along with a ‘taster’ blog about their discoveries.

It serves as a follow-up to an earlier book, published in 2011, which covered the evidence from the prehistoric period from Eye Kettleby. This included results of one of the largest Bronze Age cremation cemeteries in the UK.

“The discovery at Eye Kettleby revealed a near complete early Anglo-Saxon settlement,” Speed added. “The new book brings together the evidence revealed, for a close analysis and discussion of the site, its development and phasing.

“It is placed within the wider landscape setting, with a review of the current state of knowledge of early Anglo-Saxon Leicestershire and Rutland, as well as a discussion of its place within Anglo-Saxon England.

“The publication of the results of the excavation make a significant contribution to developing understandings of everyday life during this time.”

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