Work at Salisbury Plain Training Area has uncovered an Anglo-Saxon burial site during an archaeological dig.
The team of military veterans, archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology and the DIO has unearthed a large bone and antler comb and some iron shears, in what they describe as the richest grave uncovered this year. The items, which are from the same burial, are 1400 years old and have generated much excitement at the site.
The dig is part of a programme called Operation Nightingale which supports the health and wellbeing of military veterans. The award-winning scheme sees wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans taking part in archaeological digs on the Defence estate. This year, for the first time, the team is joined by members of the Army Widows’ Association, a volunteer-run organisation and charity that offers support and friendship to the widows and widowers of servicemen and women.
Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, RT Hon Andrew Murrison, said: “This dig is part of an award-winning programme that supports the health and wellbeing of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and military veterans. The excavations have yielded some fantastic artefacts of historical importance, and as we move into the final dig at this site, I would like to thank all the personnel, veterans and teams that have taken part in the archaeological digs on the Defence estate.
The two previous digs at the 7th century burial area, which took place in 2021 and 2022, yielded some incredible artefacts including Roman coins, bronze and silver discs and a necklace made of glass beads. These earlier digs uncovered around 26 burials in 22 graves and this final excavation has helped to add some more pieces to the puzzle.
Phil Andrews from Wessex Archaeology, who oversees and supports the work of the DIO team helping to record the archaeology, said: “The aim in our final year of excavation at Avon Camp is to gain a full picture of this remarkable Anglo-Saxon cemetery and add to our understanding of rare burial enclosures we have found evidence of. Central to this is supporting the veterans to undertake the excavation and to recognise the important role they are playing in uncovering and recording the archaeology. As well as learning something new, we hope they have an enjoyable time as part of the dig team.”
Image: Crown copyright.
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archaeology DIO Salisbury Plain Training Area Veterans Wessex Archaeology
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