Probably the most exciting and important archaeological discovery made in this country in the last fifty years! 

Archaeologists have discovered the burial of a Saxon king in Southend. The excavations were undertaken by the Museum of London Archaeology Service for Southend Borough Council in late 2003.

Many years ago, during the construction of Priory Crescent in 1923, a number of Roman and Saxon burials were found. Among the Saxon burials were a considerable number of "warrior" graves, equipped with swords, shields and spears. In 1930, during the construction of railway sidings, more graves were found, this time mainly female, with ornate jewellery.

As early as the building of the railway line originally, in the late 1880s, Saxon items had been found in this area. This was obviously a Saxon cemetery, of the period between about AD 500 and 600 or so, and of quite high status. But nothing indicated that there would be a burial of the magnificence of the one found in 2003.

This was a chambered grave (a large "room" dug into the ground, and lined with wood) which, because of the contents associated with the person buried there, must have been of a king of the East Saxons. 

During life such kings would have openly displayed their status and enormous wealth, and this display continued after their death. So, the grave contained all the items necessary for holding grand feasts – a huge cauldron, bowls and flagons, together with many more personal items, such as a gaming set, a lyre and glass drinking vessels. These items had come from all parts of the known world.

Although these items would normally be associated with a person with pagan beliefs, it seems that the occupant of this grave was Christian. At his waist was a gold buckle which seems to have served also as a reliquary (a container for holy relics); at his neck were placed two gold foil crosses, and a flagon in his grave had medallions bearing figures of saints.

Research into all of the items in the grave is still continuing, but experts are fairly certain that the person was buried here in the early 7^th century (the objects date between about 600 and 630 AD). 

But who was he? At the moment we cannot be sure, but the first Saxon king to be converted to Christianity was Saebert (who died about 616). His sons reverted to being pagans, and it was not until the middle of the 7^th century that the next Christian king of Essex was in power, Sigeberht II.

Lower four images courtesy of MOLAS