Archaeologists have made a significant discovery near Friston, England, unearthing the remains of an ancient Anglo-Saxon village during pre-construction excavations for an offshore wind farm. The settlement, dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period, contains wooden longhouses and a range of artifacts, including flint tools and pottery fragments, some of which may date back as far as 6,000 years.
On December 9, Wessex Archaeology announced the find, which occurred in collaboration with the Museum of London Archaeology. The excavations are part of the preparations for the development of the East Anglia TWO and ONE North Projects, an offshore wind farm being implemented by ScottishPower Renewables.
Details of the Discovery
The excavation revealed a small community that lived in substantial wooden longhouses. According to the press release from Wessex Archaeology, these structures, which have since rotted away, were approximately 19 meters long and 6 meters wide. The longhouses not only served as living spaces but also functioned as social hubs, featuring a central hearth for cooking and warmth.
Matthew Ginnever, senior project manager at MOLA-Wessex Archaeology, highlighted some of the most intriguing findings from the site. Among the artifacts discovered were medieval kilns and fragile flint items, including arrowheads and an axe head. One particularly remarkable find is an arrowhead believed to have been made between 4,000 and 6,000 years ago. Ginnever noted, “Designed to cover long distances for hunting, sharpened edges and point are incredibly fragile and usually break in the ground, making this a rare find.”
Archaeologists also discovered that a modern public right of way aligns perfectly with the early medieval buildings, suggesting that this footpath has been in use since the Anglo-Saxon period and possibly even earlier.
Historical Context and Future Research
The settlement is thought to have been abandoned in the 1300s, although the reasons for this remain unclear. Ginnever indicated that the team will investigate this further during the post-excavation analysis phase. “Our team will be exploring this during the post-excavation analysis phase of work, and we hope to share more in the future,” he said.
The significance of this discovery extends beyond the immediate archaeological findings. It reflects a broader trend in which modern construction projects across Europe have unearthed invaluable historical treasures. For instance, last year, archaeologists found a trove of 1,000-year-old artifacts at a construction site for a nuclear power plant in Suffolk. Similarly, Czech excavators recently uncovered multiple military graves linked to the Austro-Prussian wars during highway construction.
Researchers are expected to present further findings in a webinar scheduled for January 23, 2024. As excavations continue, this Anglo-Saxon settlement offers a glimpse into a community that thrived centuries ago, providing context and insight into the region’s rich historical tapestry.
