Anglo-Saxon burial ground unearthed at HS2 site in Buckinghamshire

An Anglo-Saxon burial ground with 138 graves found along the route of HS2 is one of the largest ever uncovered in the UK, experts have said. A skeleton with a weapon embedded in it, jewellery and weapons were among the finds in Wendover, Buckinghamshire.

Evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman activity was also found. Archaeologist Rachel Wood said the site's significance for the "historical and archaeological understanding" of Anglo-Saxon Britain was "huge".

The site contained 141 regular burials and five cremation burials. The male skeleton was found with a sharp iron object embedded into its spine, which experts believe may have caused or factored into his death.

The site contained 141 regular burials and five cremation burials. The male skeleton was found with a sharp iron object embedded into its spine, which experts believe may have caused or factored into his death.

A number of objects likely to have been used for grooming were also found, including toiletry sets with ear wax removers and toothpicks, tweezers, combs and even a cosmetic tube that might have been used as eyeliner or similar.

Speaking on his podcast, the presenter said: "This stunning set of discoveries on the HS2 route can tell us more about how our predecessors lived, fought and ultimately died. "It is one of the best and most revealing post Roman sites in the country and it was thrilling to join the team as they uncovered their wonderful finds."

A female body was found buried with an array of high quality goods such as a complete ornate glass bowl made of pale green glass, multiple rings made of copper alloy, a silver "zoomorphic" ring, brooches, discs, iron belt fittings and objects made of ivory.

A team of about 30 field archaeologists from INFRA JV, working on behalf of HS2's contractor Fusion JV, completed field work at the site in 2021.