Roadwork reveals Saxon graves in UK

London, September 14 : Some 450 graves have been found in Lakenheath, UK, out of which three graves are Saxon, after a discovery during recent roadworks.

According to a report in Bury Free Press newspaper, the find of three Saxon graves has helped to define the size of one of the largest burial grounds in Suffolk, which has been part of a 10-year study by the archaeological services at Suffolk County Council.

During the last six to nine months, the team has been monitoring roadworks taking place in RAF Lakenheath as the area was known for its ancient discoveries, said Jo Caruth, senior project officer for Archaeological Services.

The graves uncovered were of two men with spearheads and a woman who was buried with jewellery, broaches and wrist clasps.

"We knew the cemetery went under that road but we have never had the opportunity to dig it up and look under it. It was right on the edge of the cemetery and there's still more there," said Caruth.

"The importance of Lakenheath is how much we have been able to dig over the years. We have got a complete archaeological landscape and can chart the occupation base from really very early on - which is what makes it very exciting," she added.

Previous searches have revealed early finds from 10,000 years ago, the neolithic era, the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as from Roman and Saxham settlements and burials.

A previous find of significance on the same site was an Anglo-Saxon warrior chief who was buried with his horse.

ANI