An exquisite Saxon pendant, hidden beneath a Leeds field for over 1,200 years, is offering historians a remarkable window into early medieval life in Yorkshire.
Thought to date back to the eighth century, the gilded pectoral cross may have served as a badge of rank for a high-ranking church official or dignitary. Discovered last year by a metal detectorist, the cross — despite a broken arm and missing central stone, remains a striking piece of craftsmanship. Made from solid silver and adorned with delicate gold leaf, it stands as a powerful testament to the artistry and religious significance of the period.
Adorned with an intricate interlacing Saxon design, the remarkable pendant was likely worn around the neck of a person of high status. Its discovery adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that Leeds and its surrounding areas may have once been home to influential figures during the early medieval period.
The artefact was recorded through the Portable Antiquities Scheme’s Treasure process and has since been acquired by Leeds Museums and Galleries, thanks to the generous support of funding partners. The cross is scheduled to go on public display at Leeds City Museum later this year.
Kat Baxter, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of archaeology said:
“The cross is beautifully decorated on both sides, which suggests it was designed to hang around the neck with the suspension loop on the missing arm. It would certainly have been worn by someone of high status and is an outward display of religious identity.
“It was made at a time when Leeds was part of the Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria and, along with a number of other discoveries in the area, really helps us build a picture of the types of people who would have lived here during this time.”
The 8th century marks the earliest known written mention of Leeds, then referred to as Loidis — by the historian and monk The Venerable Bede. At the time, England was divided into several powerful kingdoms, including Northumbria, Mercia, Wessex, and East Anglia. The recent discovery of the Saxon cross adds to a growing list of significant Saxon and Roman artefacts unearthed in the Leeds area in recent years.
Among the most notable finds was the unearthing of a lead coffin just two years ago at a previously unknown cemetery site near Garforth. The coffin, buried for more than 1,600 years, was discovered alongside the remains of over 60 individuals dating from the late Roman to early Saxon periods. Inside were the remains of a woman aged between 25 and 35, who had been laid to rest with a bracelet, a necklace made of glass beads, and either a finger ring or earring — offering a rare and moving glimpse into the lives of those who lived in the region centuries ago.
In 2012, Leeds Museums and Galleries acquired the West Yorkshire Hoard, a remarkable collection of seven objects discovered in the Leeds area by a metal detectorist. Dating from the 7th to 11th centuries, the hoard includes five pieces of high-quality gold jewellery, believed to have been worn only by individuals of exceptional wealth and status in Saxon society. This extraordinary find offers further evidence of the region’s significance during the early medieval period.
Kat Baxter, Curator of Archaeology at Leeds Museums and Galleries commented:
“All of these finds are part of a puzzle which together show that Leeds was home to high status, important individuals during the Saxon period, and this beautiful cross is the latest glimpse into the past. Unfortunately, objects representing less wealthy people are less likely to survive.
“There are certainly more objects out there waiting to be discovered, and responsible metal detectorists and The Portable Antiquities Scheme are playing a really important role in increasing our understanding of local history. Without them, this beautiful piece of Saxon metalwork, and many others like it, would never have been found and made available for future generations.”
The acquisition of the cross was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund, the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society, and the Friends of Leeds City Museums. The artefact was secured under the provisions of the Treasure Act 1996.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“This find is a beautiful example of the history all around us and gives a fascinating insight into the story of Leeds. 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 Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund is a government-supported initiative that assists regional museums, record offices, and specialist libraries across England and Wales in acquiring significant objects related to the arts, literature, and history. Established at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 1881, the fund remains a vital part of the museum’s nationwide outreach.
With an annual grants budget of £725,000 — provided through Arts Council England’s National Lottery Funding, the fund reviews around 150 applications each year and supports approximately 100 organisations. These grants facilitate acquisitions valued at more than £3 million annually www.vam.ac.uk
