Ancient 1,200-year-old Christian relic unearthed in a field by a metal detector enthusiast.
A gilded Christian artifact dating back to the Early Middle Ages has been unearthed in Leeds, United Kingdom. The discovery was made in a local field by a metal detectorist last year and is believed to originate from the 8th century.
According to the City of Leeds, the Saxon-era pendant may once have been a badge of office for an important church leader or official. Experts suggest that the artifact, which has one broken arm and is missing its central stone, provides a fascinating glimpse into life during the early medieval period in Yorkshire.
Kat Baxter, a curator of archaeology at Leeds Museums and Galleries, says the decorations on the cross indicate it was designed to be worn as a necklace by someone of high status. She adds that it would have served as an outward display of religious identity.
Initial testing has dated the cross to the 8th century, and its intricate interlacing pattern suggests it was made when Leeds was part of Northumbria. At that time, the kingdom was predominantly pagan, but it transitioned to Christianity in the 7th century, making this cross an early remnant of Christianity in Leeds.
Officials believe this beautiful example of metalwork offers valuable insights into the lives of high-status individuals in Saxon society who lived in the region during this period. Unfortunately, objects representing less affluent people are less likely to survive.
The discovery of the gilded cross follows another significant archaeological find in Leeds – the remains of an Ancient Roman aristocrat, discovered within city limits in 2023. Meanwhile, over 600 19th-century beer bottles were found under a staircase in the city earlier this year. Leeds boasts an impressive collection of historical artifacts due in part to the ongoing support of funders and visitors to preserve local heritage.
The home-and-garden of a high-status individual in Saxon society, during the 8th century, might have resembled a treasure trove, as the gilded cross discovered in Leeds, an artifact that reflects lifestyle, is a remarkable example of the era's metalwork. Intriguingly, less affluent individuals' artifacts from this time are less likely to surface, providing a selective glimpse into the past.
