The necklace was found in 1876 in a group of about 60 graves that were disturbed by workmen digging for ironstone in Desborough. The necklace was the only find in its grave and reputedly lay near the head of a skeleton. It is unknown whether it was complete at the time it was found as the workmen had shared out the pendants and beads amongst themselves before being persuaded to hand them over for a small reward.
Such a beautiful necklace must have been a prize possession for a high-status Anglo-Saxon woman. The beads and pendants were probably put together in the mid seventh century.
Similar necklaces have been found in high-status graves spread across the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in Kent and Wiltshire. What makes it stand out is the presence of the cross. Whether or not it was buried with a Christian is unknown, but we can infer that it was explicitly Christian in its intent, a reflection of the adoption of Christianity by the English elite at the time.
Number 32 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
This flint dagger was found in a male burial in a barrow along with other grave goods. It had never been used so may have been an ornamental or ritual piece.
This Jewish tombstone fragment is one of two surviving medieval inscriptions in England; indicating a thriving medieval Jewish community living in Northampton at the time.
© The Trustees of the British Museum
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NMAG
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NMAG
©
NMAG
©
NMAG