Following last year’s Roman exhibition, Abingdon Museum is continuing the story of the town and its people with a new exhibition exploring the Anglo-Saxon period from around AD 450 to 1066.

The exhibition shows more of the Museum’s Anglo-Saxon collection, alongside artefacts that are permanently on display.

Among the major discoveries featured are the finds from Barrow Hills and the Saxton Road Saxon cemetery. The Saxton Road cemetery has helped archaeologists learn about the people who lived here over 1,300 years ago. It was discovered after Mr Clargo, a workman digging a sewer trench for the new council houses in Saxton Road, recognised the significance of an urn and a metal object. Because many Anglo-Saxon burials included grave goods, archaeologists have been able to learn about the beliefs and everyday lives of those buried there.

The exhibition is arranged around a series of display boards covering many aspects of Anglo-Saxon life, including the Anglo-Saxon migrations into Britain, jewellery and personal possessions, burial customs, clothing, housing, domestic life and religion. Although Anglo-Saxon houses have long since disappeared, excavations have uncovered post holes and buildings with sunken floors.

The growth of Christianity and the establishment of the Abbey at Abingdon are also explored, alongside the Museum’s rare 7th-century gold ring decorated with glass beads and the famous Abingdon Sword.

The Museum is run by Abingdon Town Council, and it is thanks to its predecessor, Abingdon Borough Council, that most of the Saxton Road cemetery was excavated before the housing estate was built. The exhibition runs until 27th September. Admission is free.