Two spectacular Anglo-Saxon gold pendants unearthed by metal detectorists in a North Lincolnshire field are among the beautiful objects going on display in a new exhibition launching at North Lincolnshire Museum on Saturday 16 November.
The fascinating exhibition tells the story of the discovery and excavation of two Anglo-Saxon cemeteries at Sawcliffe in Roxby cum Risby during the 1990s, and what these and other sites in Winterton Vale, The Hidden Valley, can tell us about life in Anglo-Saxon England.
The star of the exhibition is a stunning gold pendant dating to the seventh century.
Unearthed in 1993 by metal detectorists Craig Allison and Glyn Nicklen, the pendant features an ornate design in the shape of a cross surrounded by beautiful red garnet gems – three of which survive.
Craig Allison, owner of Crawfords Metal Detectors, said: “Although it happened more than 30 years ago, I remember the thrill of holding the pendant like it was yesterday. It’s a feeling that will never leave me. It was hard to believe it had spent over 1,400 years below ground, as I held it in my hand, it shone like the day it was made.
“We spent a whole week pouring through the soil trying to find the missing central garnet with no luck. No matter though – the pendant is still spectacular, and I’m proud and delighted more people get to see it.”
The pendants will be exhibited alongside more beautiful objects from Sawcliffe, which was excavated between 1993 and 1998 by staff and volunteers from North Lincolnshire Museum.
Visitors can expect to see everything from brooches and buckles to pottery and weapons – many of which will be going on display for the very first time.
Cllr John Davison, cabinet member for community wellbeing (urban – Ashby, Bottesford and Scunthorpe), said: “North Lincolnshire Museum’s last exhibition was a poignant tribute to the 28 people who lost their lives in the Fixborough disaster of 1974. I would like to thank everyone who contributed their memories, however painful, to allow us to tell this important story.
“In their next exhibition, we are journeying back to a fascinating period in our country’s history. I know a great many people will be as excited as I am to see the jewels of North Lincolnshire Museum’s Collection – our region’s very-own Anglo-Saxon treasure haul – go on display, a mere five miles from where these objects were buried more than a thousand years ago.”
The exhibition will be completed by finds from nearby excavations in Old Winteringham, Countess Close at Alkborough, the Dragonby, Winterton and Roxby Roman settlements, as well as Anglo-Saxon sites at Bagmoor, West Halton, and Flixborough/North Conesby.
The Hidden Valley opens at North Lincolnshire Museum on Saturday 16 November and runs until 4 May 2025.
