The Anglo-Saxon Burial at Coombe (Woodnesborough), Kent

Davidson, H. R. Ellis; Webster, Leslie

doi:10.1080/00766097.1967.11735290

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…This unusual rite has no parallels elsewhere and it is notable that in this instance the weapon is not used as a 'grave good', but as a part of the structure of the grave (Williams, 1983). The only other exceptions occur in the very wealthy cremation burials such as those from Coombe in Kent, Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, and possibly at Loveden Hill in Lincolnshire that represent a late, high-status innovation in early Anglo-Saxon cremation rites (Carver, 1998: 192;Dickinson and Speake, 1992: 128-9; Ellis Davidson and Webster, 1967;Fennell, 1964). However, the detailed analysis of the grave-finds from Spong Hill produced seven fragments of swords, in five cases fragments of scabbards, and in two instances sections of sword-hilt (Hills, 1977;Hills and Penn, 1981;Hills et al, 1987Hills et al, , 1994Hines, 1989: 37).…”

Section: ■ Weaponry In Cremation Ritualsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Keeping the dead at arm’s length

Williams

2005

Journal of Social Archaeology

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Archaeologists have identified two kinds of furnished graves dating to the late fifth and sixth centuries AD from southern and eastern England: inhumation and cremation. While the ‘weapon burial rite’ is a frequent occurrence for inhumation graves, weapons are rarely found in cinerary urns. This article argues that this divergence may relate to the contrasting roles of cremation and inhumation as mortuary technologies of remembrance linked to alternative strategies for managing the powerful mnemonic agency of weapons.

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Section: ■ Weaponry In Cremation Ritualsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Keeping the dead at arm’s length

Williams

2005

Journal of Social Archaeology

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“…Although the name was ®rst recorded only in 1086 as Wanesberge, there is no doubt that it was derived from a name signifying`Woden's mound'. 90 Anglo-Saxon place-names related to the pagan religion must belong to the earliest layer of place-names in England and, in Kent, probably date before the late sixth century. 91 Woodnesborough is the only place-name in Kent which indicates the veneration of the god Woden.…”

Section: Materials and Place-name Evidence From Kentmentioning

confidence: 99%

The origins of kingship in early medieval Kent

Behr

2000

Early Medieval Europe

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In this article, it is argued that Bede's famous account of the origin and early development of the people and kings of Kent in Historia ecclesiastica (I.15) does not report historical events, but reflects eighth‐century concepts of migration‐period kingship with mythical links to the Jutes of Scandinavia. Bracteate evidence shows that the veneration of Woden existed in Kent by the sixth century. Support for a contemporary belief in the Scandinavian origin of Kentish kings is found in locally produced bracteates, which imitate Scandinavian styles, and where several recovered from Kentish cemeteries are found in close proximity to places with royal connections. These include the only known Kentish site linked to the veneration of Woden. Evidence suggests that Kentish genealogy reflects a mythical belief in ancestry from Woden, rather than historical descent from Scandinavian Jutes. Finally, it is argued that Kentish bracteates, usually found in exceptionally rich female graves, were worn by high status women. These women may have played a significant role in legitimizing new royal claims.

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