Anglo-Saxon Lives
Life and death in Early Medieval England
Most Anglo-Saxon namestones were made between AD 650 – 850, with a few as late as AD 1050. Each one can tell us something unique, but there is plenty more we can learn about the people they commemorate by examining material from where they came from.Over the last few years, DigVentures and Durham University have been excavating the site of the original Anglo-Saxon monastery founded by King Oswald and Aidan at Lindisfarne. As well as several namestones, the excavations have yielded some remarkable discoveries which help to put them in context, and give us a more detailed glimpse at what life was life for the Anglo-Saxons who lived before, during and after the Viking raids.
Some of our favourite finds from the Anglo-Saxon world
White quartz pebbles
Lindisfarne, AD 650-850

King Aethelred's coin
Lindisfarne, AD 700-800

Copper finger rings
Lindisfarne

Bone comb
Lindisfarne, AD 900-1100

Anglo-Saxon Ovens
Lindisfarne, AD 750-900 (?)

Saint Cuthbert's bead
Lindisfarne, 300 million years ago

Cross stone
AD 650-700 (?)

Mystery Object!
Lindisfarne, AD 850-1200

Fishing gear
Lindisfarne, AD 1200-1300

Behind the scenes
Explore more from DigVentures head quarters including Anglo-Saxon women, excavating the ephemeral remains of early medieval buildings, and much more.
Powerful Anglo-Saxon women and their artefacts
Time Team's Helen Geake at DigNation 2018
What do Anglo-Saxon buildings look like to archaeologists?
This year at Lindisfarne, we are continuing to uncover the remains of a possible Anglo Saxon building. We have worked stone and a possible wall, but how do we know who put them there and when? Chris and Josh discuss Anglo Saxon buildings and how to know when you've found one.
Three years of archaeology at Lindisfarne
DigVentures' Head of Fieldwork Chris Casswell at DigNation 2018
Thank you for exploring Anglo-Saxon namestones with us!
We hope you've enjoyed looking through this collection of beautiful carved namestones from North East England. If you're not ready to leave yet, why not check out one of our other Virtual Museums for caves, hoards, and even a bear or two.