Archaeologists Uncover Elite Anglo-Saxon Site on Land Once Owned by King Harold Godwinson
YORK, England — Archaeologists from the University of York have uncovered a remarkable Anglo-Saxon elite site near the village of Skipsea in East Yorkshire, on land historically owned by Harold Godwinson, England’s last Anglo-Saxon king. Harold, famously slain at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, once held this territory, and the newly discovered structures shed light on the early medieval period preceding Norman rule.
The excavation revealed the remains of a large timber hall, a malthouse, and a distinctive timber tower, which researchers believe may have served multiple functions such as a watchtower, bell tower, or even a tower-nave church. These structures date from between 750 and 850 A.D., predating Harold’s reign but illustrating the long-standing significance of the site.
Located less than 1,000 feet from Skipsea Castle, a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress constructed after the conquest, the site offers a rare glimpse into the Anglo-Saxon aristocratic landscape. The proximity of these elite buildings to the later Norman castle highlights the continuity and transformation of power centers in medieval England.
According to a press release from the University of York, the timber hall was likely a high-status residence or administrative center, while the malthouse points to sophisticated food and drink production, possibly for elite consumption or trade. The tower’s function remains under investigation, but its prominent design suggests a significant role in the community’s social or religious life.
Harold Godwinson, who ruled briefly in 1066 before his death at Hastings, was the last Anglo-Saxon monarch to hold sway over England. His defeat marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman dominance. This discovery enriches the historical narrative of Harold’s holdings and the cultural landscape of pre-Conquest England.
Experts from Historic England, the public body that champions the country’s historic environment, have expressed enthusiasm about the find. The site offers valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon elite life and settlement patterns in Yorkshire, a region pivotal in England’s medieval history. More broadly, it contributes to understanding the social and political structures that shaped the nation before the Norman invasion.
For those interested in the broader context of Anglo-Saxon archaeology and heritage preservation, resources from the Historic England and the English Heritage provide extensive information on medieval sites and conservation efforts.
The excavation is part of ongoing research efforts to map and interpret England’s early medieval past, supported by collaborations between academic institutions and heritage organizations. The findings will be detailed in forthcoming publications and public exhibitions, aiming to engage both scholars and the wider community.
This discovery not only illuminates the physical landscape of a legendary king’s domain but also deepens appreciation for the complex history that shaped modern England. The site near Skipsea stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Anglo-Saxon culture and its pivotal role in the nation’s story.
For more information on archaeological standards and practices, the Council for British Archaeology offers guidelines and updates on current excavations across the UK.
Leave a Reply