A rare and intricately decorated Saxon pendant discovered in a field near Leeds, in northern England, is shedding new light on life in early medieval Yorkshire.
Dating to the eighth century, the small silver cross—gilded with gold leaf and carved with elaborate interlace patterns—was unearthed by a metal detectorist and is believed to have belonged to a high-status individual, possibly a church official. Despite damage to one arm and the loss of its central stone, the piece is considered a remarkable example of early medieval craftsmanship.
According to Kat Baxter, curator of archaeology at Leeds Museums and Galleries, the cross was “beautifully decorated on both sides, which suggests it was designed to hang around the neck with the suspension loop on the missing arm.” She added: “It would certainly have been worn by someone of high status and is an outward display of religious identity.”
The pendant was acquired through the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the Treasure Act process, with funding support from the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, and the Friends of Leeds City Museums. It will go on public display later this year at Leeds City Museum.
A Glimpse into Northumbrian Leeds
The find adds to growing evidence that the Leeds area played host to influential figures during the Saxon period, when it formed part of the Kingdom of Northumbria. The region is first mentioned in writing as “Loidis” by the Venerable Bede in the eighth century, the same period in which the pendant was likely made.
Other significant early medieval discoveries in the region support this view. In 2012, the museum acquired the West Yorkshire Hoard, a collection of seventh- to eleventh-century artefacts including five pieces of gold jewellery of a quality associated with elite Saxon society.
And in 2022, archaeologists uncovered a late Roman to early Saxon cemetery near Garforth, which included a lead coffin containing the remains of a woman aged 25–35, buried with jewellery including a bracelet and a necklace of glass beads.
“These finds are part of a puzzle which together show that Leeds was home to high-status, important individuals during the Saxon period,” said Baxter. “Unfortunately, objects representing less wealthy people are less likely to survive.”
Preserving Leeds’ Past
Baxter also emphasised the importance of the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the role of responsible metal detectorists in uncovering such finds: “Without them, this beautiful piece of Saxon metalwork, and many others like it, would never have been found and made available for future generations.”
Councillor Salma Arif of Leeds City Council praised the acquisition. “This find is a beautiful example of the history all around us and gives a fascinating insight into the story of Leeds,” she said. “It’s always wonderful when we are able to add important objects like this to our collections and we’re very grateful for the continued support of funders and visitors in helping us to preserve our local heritage.”
The cross adds to a growing body of material revealing the significance of early medieval Leeds—and offers a rare glimpse into the religious life and elite culture of Northumbria more than 1,200 years ago.
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