Anglo-Saxon Cemeteries
Leicestershire’s Anglo-Saxon cemeteries have been investigated by both antiquarians and more recently professional archaeologists.
Close-up of stamped and incised decoration on an Early Anglo-Saxon urn from Thurmaston cremation cemetery excavated in 1954.
Anglo-Saxon copper-alloy tweezers with suspension loop, from the Thurmaston cremation cemetery, AD 500-600.
Anglo-Saxon iron shears with cremated human bone attached from Thurmaston cremation cemetery.
Anglo-Saxon gilded copper-alloy great square-headed brooch, Billesdon.
Anglo-Saxon glass and amber beads, Melton Mowbray and Garthorpe.
Early Anglo-Saxon pottery urn, Melton Mowbray.
The largest cremation cemetery in the county was found at Thurmaston in the 1950s during the construction of a bungalow. It includes over 90 beautifully decorated cremation urns which contained cremated human remains and associated grave goods.
Inhumation cemeteries have been discovered at sites such as Breedon-on-the Hill, Cossington, West Langton and Rothley Grange and we hold an extensive collection of human remains from the latter site. Antiquarian discoveries are represented by grave goods such as brooches, weapons and tools.