A NEW exhibition showcasing rare Saxon finds on the Isle of Wight is now on display at the Museum of Island History, Newport.
The exhibition tells the story of Anglo-Saxons on the Island and displays some of the important objects from the museum’s collection, including many new finds.
These include a skillet, which is a type of pan that may have been used for baptism purposes, indicated by a cross on the handle.
The skillet is very rare and dates from the late seventh to ninth century. It is the Isle of Wight’s earliest known Christian object.
Also on display is a gold necklace, known as a bracteate. This is very rare and only 30 have ever been discovered in Britain.
They were usually made as amulets for good luck and this bracteate shows a coiled animal. The item was purchased in February by the heritage service.
A lady’s gilded silver brooch, which would have been used to fasten clothing, can also been seen alongside other finds, including a late Anglo-Saxon silver penny, which shows a picture of Aethelred II.
The museum is based at the Guildhall, on Newport High Street.
To celebrate the display, the museum will open its doors free on Saturday, between 11am and 5pm.
There will also be a chance to handle replica Saxon objects, play Saxon games and complete a family trail.
Reporter:
suep@iwcpmail.co.uk