During our excavations at the site of former HMP Blundeston, Suffolk, a very well preserved later Early medieval brooch (c. 8th-11th century) was recovered from an Unstratified layer. Brooches from this period are extremely diverse and have been intensively studied by researcher Dr Rosie Weetch, our example being classifiable as her type 15B – ‘disc with openwork cross’.
Circular in plan, it has four triangular cut-outs which effectively create a central cross-shaped or ‘cruciform’ design. A small dimple at the midpoint of the cross and a barely visible engraved outer circle, creating the border to the outer body of the brooch, are probably compass drawn. The back of the brooch still retains its original fittings – consisting of a rectangular loop (around which is still wrapped the remnants of an iron pin) and a simple, folded catchplate. The similarity of these fittings to those used on modern brooches and badges bears testament to how effective these fastening mechanisms continue to be, even a thousand years later!
Though none of this specific brooch type have ever been found in archaeological contexts, those of a related form (Weetch type 15A – ‘cogwheel’) have been retrieved from various deposits of 9th century date. Some finds of type 15B brooches recovered from topsoil have been loosely associated with ceramics produced around this time as well, which suggests a similar date is appropriate.
Over fifty examples of type 15B brooches have been recorded from both archaeological excavations and as metal-detected stray finds, the vast majority being found in what is today northwest Norfolk. Interestingly, only a handful have been found outside East Anglia. Based on the relatively large number which appear to survive and the presence of other brooch types concentrating in the same sort of area, it is thought that this type and related forms were likely mass-produced in local workshops. Given their quite restricted pattern of distribution, it is possible that they represent the adoption of some kind of localised identity quite different to those present elsewhere in Britain. Certainly, they seem to relate in some way to contemporary European fashions for wearing brooches in the shape of crosses (or depicting crosses in some way).
But why East Anglia? Dr Weetch suggests that the concentration of these brooches (and related types) in this region is a consequence of the importation of Continental goods from the Carolingian world, centred on what is modern-day France and Germany. An influx of ‘foreign’ material culture (including metalwork) appears to have acted as prototypes and inspiration for those brooches produced locally in Britain. Indeed, it was likely not just physical objects themselves which arrived, but also new dress styles, ideas, and in some cases quite possibly the movement of skilled artisans as well. In response to the latter factors, local craftspeople were perhaps also inspired to experiment with creating new designs of dress accessory, combining insular and continental styles.
Alex Bliss
Finds Officer
Further reading: Weetch, R. 2014, Brooches in Late Anglo-Saxon England within a North West European context. A study of social identities between the eighth and eleventh centuries. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Reading. Available at: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?did=1&uin=uk.bl.ethos.655741 (brooches mentioned in volume 1, page 95) – requires creation of a free account
