Anglo-Saxon 10th century (900s)
Roman and Early Medieval
Carved with typically Anglo-Scandinavian interlace, this stone was found reused in the Norman church of St Peters and may indicate an earlier 10th century church.
A further fragment of Anglo-Saxon carved stonework from St Peter's church
This massive fragment takes us back to the time when the old Saxon kingdoms became one united England under kings descended from Alfred the Great.
It was found at St Peter’s during major restoration at the church in 1851. It had been re-used as the base of a column at the east end. The church building was constructed in the twelfth century. The stone, however, is dated from the tenth century, this is indicated by the style of the worn leaf pattern carved on its side. It remains now as a fragment of an earlier impressive, high status, monument.
The elaborate pattern is called interlace, typical of Celtic and Anglo Saxon art. The six rows of figure-of-eight knots are worked in closed circuit patterns of four cords, confined in small panels. This detail of interlace is a typically Anglo-Scandinavian style.
Geographically the area was part of the Danelaw, dominated by Scandinavian culture until regained by Alfred’s son, Edward the Elder, King of the Saxons, in the mid 900s.
Number 34 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
Northamptonshire’s ironstone was formed from iron-rich sediments in the Jurassic period. Quarried since Roman times, ironstone has shaped our landscape, fuelled the county's industry and built our houses.
© NMAG
© NMAG
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NMAG
©
NMAG
©
The Trustees of the British Museum
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NMAG