Essex Days ; The Prittlewell Saxon hoard,Southend on Sea

The original tomb had been built of wood and had collapsed over more than 1000 years so the archaeologists had no indication that burial chamber was beneath them.  This was 2003. 

Coins have been found in the tombs which have dates on them and the historians and archaeologists now reckon that this was the burial chamber of a high-ranking Saxon prince and not a king. It is probably that of a King's brother or son and was possibly Seaxa,  brother of a Saxon King at about the time 580 - 590 AD. Scientific dating confirms this.

Over 100 artefacts were carefully lifted from the tomb but only a few are on display though. The display is beautifully put together and I would recommend that you visit if you have the opportunity. 

The find is important because it tells us that there was a very important Saxon royal family in the area but also that Saxon royalty were interested in and influenced by Christianity from very early on. 

This is shown in its funerary customs. 

Little remained not even a skeleton but cloth, tooth enamel and crosses. The crosses had been buried next to each other where his eyes would have been. The confusing thing, however, is that he was buried with "grave goods” which indicate he was a pagan so it is possible that he was "hedging his bets " and like many early Christians, followed both religions. In his coffin was also a belt buckle, a gold belt buckle that could have only have been owned by a Saxon of the royal courts. In the chamber were jewels and various drinking vessels which the Prince would need in the afterlife. 

The Christian signs in the chamber make this a highly unusual burial for this time in Saxon history. 

Such was the wealth of this individual that a gold cloth had been placed over his face and some of the gold cloth has been retrieved as shown above. 

Very rare to see, there were glass objects in the tomb and many survived. This was an individual of mighty wealth. 

Too small to see on a photo were 2 dice, obviously for when this  "Christian " played dice games in the afterlife. 

Carbon dating suggests that the coffin was made approx. 570 - 605 AD. It is interesting to see something of this age. 

Southend Museum have done a very good job with display which is clearly presented and informative. 

We never know what is under our feet and now 16 years after the first finding of the tomb it is on display to the public.

My main feeling is delight that London hasn't grabbed the exhibit as usual. The Prittlewell Prince and his chamber are there in the town where they found. Quite right too.