Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem that sheds light on a pivotal moment in English history. Archaeologists have made an exciting discovery of an "elite" Anglo-Saxon site on land once owned by the legendary King Harold II, who is perhaps best known for his role in the Battle of Hastings.
This remarkable find was made by a team from the University of York, located near the village of Skipsea in East Yorkshire. The site, rich in history, was part of the estate belonging to Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England.
Photographs from the excavation reveal archaeologists carefully unearthing the remains of several significant structures, including a malthouse, a timber tower, and a grand hall. Among their discoveries is a sunken edifice, which researchers speculate could have served multiple purposes, such as a watchtower, bell tower, or even a church structure, according to a press release from the university.
Dating back to between 750 and 850 A.D., these structures were found astonishingly close to Skipsea Castle, a historical Norman motte-and-bailey fortress. After these buildings were constructed, the land came under the ownership of Harold Godwinson, who met his fate at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, marking a significant transition in power as the Normans took control of England.
Interestingly, despite Harold's ownership of the land, there is currently no archaeological evidence to suggest he ever visited Skipsea. Researchers acknowledge that proving this point may prove to be elusive. Jim Leary, co-leader of the excavation team, emphasizes the importance of the site, stating, "The malthouse and great hall are indicative of its elite status."
He adds that the area showed signs of extensive craft activities, including metalworking and hornworking, which further supports the notion that this location was not just a typical settlement, but rather a place of higher social standing. Additionally, the presence of a surrounding ditch and bank indicates it may have served as a "lordly center."
Among the structures unearthed is a wattle-and-daub building—constructed from interwoven wooden sticks coated with mud. This type of building was common during the period. The team also discovered a dry oven and a clay floor, both integral to the brewing process, particularly in drying cereal after it had been steeped for malting—a crucial step in beer production.
Leary describes the timber hall as notably large for its kind, measuring about 5 meters (approximately 16 feet) wide and 16 meters (around 52 feet) long, as evidenced by post holes left behind.
While radiocarbon dating has shown that the malthouse predates Harold Godwinson, it’s possible that the tower and hall were in existence during his reign. However, Leary cautions that absolute certainty on this matter will remain out of reach, as there are no historical documents referencing his visit to Skipsea.
In a thrilling twist, the archaeological team is also uncovering evidence of even earlier human activity at the site, venturing into prehistoric territory. Leary notes that the area would have once been situated next to a now-vanished lake, where they are finding signs of feasting and tool-making utilizing flint, suggesting a rich tapestry of human activity over millennia.
Future excavations are scheduled to take place each May for the next three years, allowing undergraduate students the invaluable opportunity to engage in hands-on fieldwork.
This discovery follows another intriguing find related to Harold Godwinson from the previous year, where researchers uncovered remnants of one of his residences in Bosham, highlighted by the fascinating discovery of an ancient toilet.
