Finds from Netherhampton on display: Top 10 finds to see at Salisbury Museum

We are putting on a temporary exhibit at Salisbury Museum where some of the finds from our excavations at Netherhampton will go on display. You will be able to visit the exhibition from later this month. For the display, we asked the project team to pick out 10 of their favorite items.

1. That’s groovy!

You can’t go wrong with prehistoric pottery especially when it is beautiful decorated Grooved Ware pottery dating to the Late Neolithic (2900–2400 BC). This style of decorated pottery was originally used in Orkney before 3000 BC and later spread across Britain and Ireland after 2900 BC. Often found in ceremonial sites or buried in isolated pits (as with our example), we know from residue analysis that these jar- or tub-shaped vessels were used for cooking and feasting.

2. Keeping on target

These arrowheads were discovered in the ditches of later Bronze Age barrows on the site. Classified as ‘British Oblique,’ they come in two slightly different forms. They date to the Middle to Late neolithic (3400–2400 BC). Their pointed tips were shaped by carefully removing fine chips, and one features a barb, which was designed to prevent it from dislodging from prey or a victim. They were used for both hunting and interpersonal violence.

3. She sells seashells by Salisbury

Salisbury might be far from the coast, but we uncovered some fascinating marine shells during our excavation—specifically, scallops and oysters. These shells were likely collected for a specific purpose beyond food, possibly for use in rituals or as their own objects. Who knew Salisbury had a sea connection?

4. Notch above

This complete pottery vessel was buried with a child in a barrow, possibly indicating a ritual – use in the afterlife – or a special status. These pots, decorated with notched impressions, are rare in southern England, the design closely resembles those from Yorkshire. Pottery may have indicated social identity, so the makers and owners may have wanted it to appear deliberately different, and indicate the child’s ‘wealth’ or status.

Read more about the food vessel here.

5. Oversized fashion

At a whopping 275mm long, this giant red deer leg bone pin dating to the Late Neolithic (2900–2400 BC) is a bit of an enigma. With no known parallels in England, it could be a prehistoric fashion statement of epic proportions, possibly used to secure bags of leather or fabric.

6. Small but mighty evidence

Not all treasures are big! The tiny, charred remains of apple/pear seeds and hazelnut shell fragments reveal how people relied on wild foods like crab apples and hazelnuts. These tiny surviving remains of plants show us that the Neolithic diet wasn’t just about cultivated crops but also the wild bounty growing around them.

7. A cut above the rest

Tools like these were essential for everyday life. This backed knife, with its blunt and fine retouching, made it comfortable to hold on one side while keeping its edge sharp on the other. It would have been used just like our knives today — perfect for cutting all sorts of materials. Ancient tools, still sharp as ever!

8. Don’t push my buttons!

This remarkably intact button dating to later Bronze Age (1150–800 BC) could have been used to adorn a horse harness. Although they vary greatly in size from site to site, this type of button has parallels from across north-west Europe, including Britain, France, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands.

9. Gifts from the east

Here’s a splash of colour! This stunning cobalt blue glass fragment came from a luxury drinking vessel, similar to those found in elite Saxon burials. Dating back to the late 6th or early 7th century, this type of glass was crafted in south-east England and possibly traded as a diplomatic gift. It’s a rare and beautiful find from a time when glass was a symbol of status.

10. Pottering on to the Saxon period

This simple, undecorated piece of pottery may look unassuming, but it tells a story of daily life in the early Saxon period. With its characteristic black fabric and vegetable matter inclusions, it’s a perfect example of organic-tempered pottery. We’re hoping to do some radiocarbon dating soon, so stay tuned for more discoveries!

Come see the finds in person!

This is just a taste of what’s on display at the Salisbury Museum. From prehistoric tools to Saxon luxury glass, each artefact holds a unique story waiting to be uncovered. Make sure to visit us soon and get a firsthand look at these amazing finds. Our temporary exhibit will be live from the end of this month, and we can’t wait to share these fascinating pieces of history with you!

See you at Salisbury Museum!