Anglo Saxon priestess grave found in Yorkshire

Submitted by Milica on Wed, 2008-05-07 11:15
Archaeologists are studying the grave of a 7th century Anglo Saxon woman who might have been a Pagan priestess. By the placement of the grave and the objects within, including a sword and elaborate jewelry, they feel that the woman may have headed a 7th century cult. (photo)

"The whole focus of the cemetery is based upon the bed burial -- it is our view that this was erected first and the other graves were dug around it," said archaeolgist Stephen Sherlock, who worked with the Teesside Archaeological Society.

Objects recovered from the grave include a large shield-shaped pendant and a langseax, a single-edged Anglo-Saxon sword.