An archaeological excavation has yielded remarkable Roman and Saxon discoveries in a scientific breakthrough.
The site, in West Sussex, is of national significance, experts have revealed.
The summer excavation at Highdown, close to Ferring, commenced on July 20 through a collaborative effort involving Worthing Museum, the Worthing Archaeological Society and the National Trust.
The location boasts a rich historical timeline, having served as a Bronze Age enclosure, an Iron Age fortification, a Roman military post and a Saxon burial ground.
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An Archaeological excavation has yielded remarkable Roman and Saxon discoveries
Remarkable finds from the excavation include weaponry, rock crystal beadwork, a bronze hairpin and numerous coins from the late Roman period.
James Sainsbury, Worthing Museum’s archaeology curator and the project’s director, emphasised that the identification of previously unknown burial sites makes it essential to continue excavations next year.
He said: “It’s one of the earliest Saxon cemeteries in Britain. Highdown has the most beautiful and rare glassware from any Saxon cemetery in Britain.
“As of Tuesday, when we found the undisturbed grave, probably of a 16-year-old, we have to come back, because we found the beginnings of another three.”
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A hairpin made of bronze was among the items found in the dig
The director added: “There may be another significant part of the cemetery which was, until Tuesday, undiscovered.
“We are hoping for next year. The first thing we have to do this autumn is a geophysical survey, putting probes into the ground to find grave cuts, see how many grave cuts there are.
“It would be remiss of us not to return and find out the extent and the age and period of this extra burial area.”
He highlighted that the project is dependent on funding.
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Many late Roman coins were also discovered
The dig also revealed a Victorian legacy.
Sainsbury explained: “We found a bottle of port at the bottom of a grave cut next to an old pelvic bone that they weren’t interested in.”
Many late Roman coins were also discovered along with a hairpin made of bronze.
