An Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Norton, Cleveland

Description

With contributions by David Birkett, Carol Brown, Mandy Marlow, Sally Parker, Wendy Sherlock and Penelope Walton. Report on the first large-scale excavation of an almost complete Anglo-Saxon cemetery, located in the frontier zone between Bernicia, the northernmost of the Northumbrian kingdoms, and Deira. Of the 120 burials recorded three were inhumations and the rest urned cremations. Grave finds cover most of the sixth century AD and possibly the early seventh, and indicate close links with sites from the Tyne valley in the north to Anglian England. List of Figures ii List of Tables v List of Plates vi List of Colour Microfiche vii Acknowledgements viii Summary ix 1. Introduction Discovery of Grave 1 1 Archaeology and early history of Norton 1 Previous discoveries of Anglo-Saxon burials in north-east England 2 The historical context and place-name evidence 6 2. The excavation Methodology 10 Pre-cemetery excavated features 12 Layout of the Anglo-Saxon cemetery 14 Grave structures and dimensions 22 Graves intercut by other features and multiple burials 23 Prone and crouched burial 26 Disturbed burials 30 Cremation burials 30 3. The grave finds Weapons: Spearheads and ferrules 31 Shield bosses and fittings 33 Seax 34 Dress fittings and ornaments: Cruciform brooches 35 Small-long brooch 40 Applied saucer brooch 40 Penannular brooches 41 Annular brooches 41 Dress pins with spangles and hair pins 42 Beads and related pendants 42 Bracelets 47 Clasps or wrist-clasps 49 Buckles and belt sets 50 Personal equipment: Knives 51 Latchlifter-keys and girdle-hangers 51 Toilet implements 53 Combs 54 Bag and purse fittings 54 Other rings 54 Amulets 54 Vessels: The Anglo-Saxon pottery by Wendy Sherlock 54 Wooden bowls 55 Bucket 55 Repoussé bosses and punched decoration 56 Textile remains by Penelope Walton 57 Conservation report and technological examination by Carol E. Brown 61 4. The social structure of the Norton cemetery 73 5. The Norton cemetery in its national and international context 103 6. The human remains The population by Mandy Marlow 107 Skeletal pathology by David Birkett 118 Cremations by Sally Parker 119 7. Grave catalogue 121 Bibliography 219