Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in Lincolnshire, unearthing evidence of an ancient henge near the ruins of the medieval Crowland Abbey. The excavation site, known as Anchor Church Field, has yielded a trove of artifacts, shedding new light on the region's rich history.
Among the finds are pottery fragments, two intricately crafted bone combs, and fragments of glass, alongside the remains of a 12th-century hall and chapel. This significant discovery, hailed as one of the largest henges in eastern England, underscores the area's status as a sacred and prominent ceremonial site spanning millennia.
Henges, circular or oval earthen enclosures dating back to prehistoric times, are rare, with fewer than 100 remaining across the UK and Ireland. The presence of such a monument near Crowland Abbey speaks to its enduring significance as a focal point for ritual activities throughout the ages.
The excavation uncovered pottery, bone combs and fragments of glass from a drinking vessel
The Anchor Church Field Project, led by teams from Newcastle University and the University of Sheffield, has unearthed this remarkable glimpse into the past. Dr. Duncan Wright, a lecturer in medieval archaeology at Newcastle University, reflects on the significance of the find: "To discover a previously unknown henge reoccupied during the Anglo-Saxon era is exceptionally rare. The presence of Anglo-Saxon artifacts, although not definitively linked to St. Guthlac, adds to the site's mystique as a sacred space across different epochs."
The area surrounding Crowland Abbey holds deep historical resonance, with roots tracing back to an Anglo-Saxon hermitage established in honor of St. Guthlac, a revered figure known for his ascetic lifestyle. The discovery of the henge further enriches our understanding of the site's multifaceted history, suggesting a continuum of spiritual significance spanning centuries.
The hall and chapel unearthed during the excavation offer tantalizing insights into the site's later medieval use, potentially serving as accommodation for high-status pilgrims journeying to Crowland. As researchers delve deeper into this archaeological treasure trove, the story of Crowland Abbey and its surrounding landscape continues to unfold, revealing layers of history waiting to be explored.
