Record ID: ESS-A7A571
Object type: COIN
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
An early medieval Merovingian gold tremissis of the 'mint-and-moneyer'/'national' series dating to c.580-670, mint: possibly Aoivis (Gif, Île-de-France); moneyer: uncertain ([  ]VDOFRIDVS?]. Refs: cf. de Belfort 1892 no.232; Prou 1892 no. 850 for mint. The coin is of uncertain mint place or moneyer. The coins obverse appear to read AOIVIS VICO FIT[  ] (OI ligated?) paralleled by de Belfort 232 and Prou 850 both reading AOIVIS FIT. The moneyer's name is partially struck off the flan making its reading difficult with the first five lett…
Created on: Thursday 27th April 2023
Last updated: Thursday 18th May 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-2E1CD2
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
An almost complete gold finger ring of early medieval date (c.550-650). Description: The ring is composed of a wide, flat sheet metal band which tapers slightly at the back. The bezel is an extension of the band, implied by its width, in relation to the tapering back, and applied decoration. The bezel is decorated with a central bird-in-flight motif, constructed from five raised cells, three of which are inlaid with cloisonne settings with garnet overlay, and one a white stone while the other is missing its setting. A central square cell forms the bird's body, while triangula…
Created on: Thursday 16th March 2023
Last updated: Friday 19th January 2024
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Near Harlow', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-E72093
Object type: BEAD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A complete gold bead of probable early medieval date (c. 600-700). Description: The bead is lentoid and has a circular aperture running through its centre, length-wise. There are some small cracks to the surface. Measurements: length: 9.64mm; diameter: 7mm; weight: 1.09g Discussion: Biconincal beads are known from high status Anglo-Saxon burial contexts and acted as 'spacer' beads in necklaces. These are constructed from coiled wire however, with one example recorded on the database being constructed in this way and then polished mostly smooth (WMID-033CC…
Created on: Tuesday 18th October 2022
Last updated: Wednesday 20th March 2024
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Little Bromley', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-93F94E
Object type: COIN HOARD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Coin No Description Dimensions 1 A complete early-medieval 'pale gold' silver early penny (sceat) of the Pre-primary Transitional Phase Series Pa III, Pa 20 dating to c. AD 655-685 (Abramson 206: 65). Obverse description: Bust R, wearing double 'pearl' diadem Obverse inscription: NCA VIIA VC Reverse description: Small cross with large central boss and each arm ending in an annulet, superimposed on a thin saltire, all within a small dotted circle. Reverse inscription: [...] F  FANVS …
Created on: Thursday 20th January 2022
Last updated: Thursday 16th November 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Hatfield Peverel', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-85F619
Object type: COIN
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
An Early-Medieval gold pseudo-imperial solidus, probably struck by the Merovingian Franks in the Lower Rhineland in the name of Anastasius I (AD 491-518), dating to the period c.AD 491-518. Unclear mint. cf. MEC I, no. 343; Belfort 5033-6. Ref: Grierson and Blackburn 1986 (MEC): plate 17 no 343, p.463; Belfort 1894: 14-5. Obverse: D N ΛNΛSTΛ-SIVS P P AVG, Pearl-diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust three-quarter facing to right, holding spear over right shoulder and shield on left arm. Reverse: VICTORI-Λ ΛVCCΓ or VICTORI-Λ ΛVCCC, Victory standing left holding long j…
Created on: Wednesday 22nd January 2020
Last updated: Wednesday 11th November 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-2A065A
Object type: STUD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
Description: A gold setting, possibly from a pendant or finger-ring, containing a glass intaglio. The setting comprises a plain collar, now badly cracked, and a series of plain and beaded lines. Moving outwards from the collar the following sequence is seen; plain, beaded, beaded, plain, beaded, beaded. The back-plate is of undecorated gold sheet. The intaglio is dark green in colour, almost circular and decorated with a pair of beasts, their heads facing each other and their bodies interlaced with this hips shown.  The object is badly damaged and the intaglio has almost com…
Created on: Monday 18th November 2019
Last updated: Thursday 20th July 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-1783F2
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
Description:  A complete gold finger-ring, comprising a hoop of hexagonal cross-section that widens into a lozenge-shaped bezel. The bezel is decorated with a symmetrical filigree design consisting of two U-shaped scrolls either side of a small, dark cabochon setting of unidentified material. Above and below the setting is an S-shaped filigree scroll. Individual gold granules are interspersed throughout the main design. The ring is slightly squashed. Dimensions:  Diameter: 26mm, Height (of bezel): 2.8 mm, Thickness (of band): 1.8 mm, Weight: 4.13 g. Disc…
Created on: Thursday 24th October 2019
Last updated: Monday 30th October 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-C925F1
Object type: STUD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
Description: An incomplete early medieval gold boss, possibly from a sword scabbard. The boss is circular in plan and consists of a base-plate of gold sheet to which has been soldered a gold collar. The collar is made from a band of twisted, beaded wires running around the outside edge of the button, and an inner border comprising a single strand of beaded wire. Inside the collar is an upright gold strip forming an outer wall for the now missing setting. This wall curves slightly inwards towards the top but is now bent and distorted. The back of the boss is plain, with a strip of…
Created on: Thursday 26th September 2019
Last updated: Monday 27th June 2022
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Roffley Hall', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-02B9B3
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
A complete gold finger ring, dating to the Early Medieval period. The band is made from sheet gold which expands to form a lozenge-shaped bezel. In the centre of the bezel is a setting containing a very dark glass oval cabochon, which is slightly chipped. The setting itself comprises an upright strip of gold sheet, surrounded by a single strand of gold beaded wire whose ends overlap. The cabochon is flanked by extensive granulation and filigree ornament, comprising single strands of beaded wire that weave between granules. Two parallel incised lines run around the back of the band. The…
Created on: Tuesday 29th January 2019
Last updated: Tuesday 28th March 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Sutton', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-DED4D4
Object type: STUD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
A disc of gold sheet with a central perforation and a filigree wire collar. The disc is roughly circular in plan and is flat. It has been perforated in the centre, presumably for attachment to a larger object. The disc is edged with a single strand of gold beaded wire, much worn on top.
Created on: Thursday 3rd January 2019
Last updated: Tuesday 16th November 2021
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'Rivenhall', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-6E268C
Object type: JEWELLERY
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
A slim gold band, flat in cross-section, bent into a U-shape with both ends broken. May have been a ring when complete, or part of some other item of jewellery. Since the broken ends don’t match it is likely that a part is missing. Part of the exterior is decorated with a double row of incised dots, which may have continued around the band but have been worn away since they are very shallow. Likely Early Medieval to Medieval in date. Dimensions: Diameter 24.1x19.7mm, width 4.5mm, thickness 0.9mm, stretched length c.60mm, weight 2.3g Discussion: Since the object is incomple…
Created on: Thursday 22nd November 2018
Last updated: Wednesday 18th November 2020
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-EC597C
Object type: COIN HOARD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Two early medieval gold tremisses, probably dating to the early-mid seventh century. The first coin is Merovingian, and probably from Tidiriciacum (identified by Belfort as Trizay-sur-Lezay, and by Depeyrot as Thiré, both in the Vendée). The reverse inscription indicates a moneyer named Witta (VVITA) in whose name coins with this mint signature have been recorded.1 Although the obverse inscription is mostly illegible, the visible letters are consistent with a reading of TIDIRIACO, as the mint name appears on other known coins of VVITA. The second coin is an early Anglo-Sa…
Created on: Thursday 22nd February 2018
Last updated: Friday 15th December 2023
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-01BB64
Object type: PENDANT
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Description: An incomplete gold pendant dating to the early Anglo-Saxon period. It is rectangular in form, comprising a gold sheet back-plate to which has been soldered an outer border of four strands of gold wire, the outer strands beaded and the inner strands twisted alternately, creating a herringbone effect. Inside of this is a rectangular cell made from upright strips of gold sheet. The central setting is missing. The back of the pendant is plain. It is fairly crumpled. Discussion: Gold pendants like this one were typically used to decorate high-status necklaces in the seventh ce…
Created on: Thursday 30th November 2017
Last updated: Monday 10th April 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: ESS-01B025
Object type: BEAD
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
A biconical gold bead, made from coiled gold wire. Its surface shows signs of wear in places. The hole is packed with soil.
Created on: Thursday 30th November 2017
Last updated: Monday 10th April 2023
Spatial data recorded. This findspot is known as 'St. Lawrence', grid reference and parish protected.

Record ID: ESS-6C5E03
Object type: UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Published
Solid gold cylindrical fragment which is partly flattened on one side (unclear if intentional or due to damage). The surface has some abrasions and light scratching. It appears to have been cut at both ends; possibly a piece of hack gold dating from the Early Medieval period. Dimensions: Weight: 3.6g, Length: 13.8mm, Thickness: 4.8mm. Discussion: It is likely to be over 300 years old. This suggestion is made due to the colour and apparent quality of the gold, as well as the lack of machine made marks, and comparisons to similar artefacts like SWYOR-C74077, DENO-68B0E8
Created on: Thursday 23rd November 2017
Last updated: Tuesday 29th August 2023
No spatial data available.

Record ID: ESS-E11C7A
Object type: MOUNT
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Suffolk
Workflow stage: Published
Gold sheet mount with applied filigree and granulation ornament on the upper surface. The sheet is an irregular discoid shape which flares slightly on one side to incorporate space for a pierced hole, probably for attachment. The remains of at least two more pierced holes survive around the edge of the sheet, spaced at 12, 6 and 9 o'clock (as photographed). The upper surface is decorated with an applied, serrated-band filigree design contained within a circular outer border. It comprises four separate U-shaped motifs with outward-turning spiral terminals, the bottom of the U faci…
Created on: Monday 23rd October 2017
Last updated: Tuesday 11th May 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-EDE63A
Object type: MOUNT
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
Workflow stage: Published
Description: Hemispherical gold boss, hollow on the underside. It is formed from a domed piece of gold sheet attached to a gold sheet backplate. The outer edge, where the upper and lower components join, is masked by a strand of gold beaded wire; little wear is apparent on this filigree collar. There is a roughly circular hole in the centre of the backplate. Dimensions: weight: 0.90g, diameter: 11.0mm, height: 3.9mm, thickness: 0.9mm. Discussion: This boss is typical of decorative bosses that were attached to deluxe jewellery, dress accessories and weapons in the 7th centur…
Created on: Thursday 24th August 2017
Last updated: Wednesday 22nd April 2020
No spatial data available.

Record ID: ESS-B07604
Object type: FINGER RING
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
Anglo-Scandinavian, (c. AD850-1100) gold ring, in a strip section, flattened and buckled. The inner surface is plain, but the outer surface has been punch-marked all the way round with a repeated pattern of double row of wedge-shaped marks pointing out to either edge. Dimensions: 19 x 5 x 0.5mm. Weight 1.96g. Analysis: Non-destructive X-ray fluorescence analysis of a gold ring from South Hanningfield, Essex, indicated a surface composition of approximately 88-90% gold, 10-12% silver, the rest being copper (Department of Scientific Research, British Museum, File No. 7656-40 2…
Created on: Tuesday 16th May 2017
Last updated: Wednesday 8th December 2021
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-EE5CDD
Object type: COIN
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Awaiting validation
Pale gold thrymsa of 'Two Emperors' type, Anglo Saxon period, c.650-c.670. (ECM 1986.8667) Obverse depicts the bust of a ruler racing right. Two symbols that look like a backwards 't' and below that a 'Z' sit in front of the face on the right side. Two symbols sit behnd the bust on the left hand side, an 'S' and below that two lines. The bust is wearing a pearl diadem and cuirass, indicated by dots. Reverse depicts a stylized victory enfolding the heads of two smaller busts. A parallel is illustrated in Metcalf (1993, Plate 4, fig. 80) The coin we…
Created on: Monday 14th December 2015
Last updated: Tuesday 5th March 2024
Spatial data recorded.

Record ID: ESS-80F9B5
Object type: STRAP END
Broad period: EARLY MEDIEVAL
County: Essex
Workflow stage: Published
A mid to late Anglo-Saxon strap-end of mixed gold, silver and copper composition (see below). The strap-end is long, narrow and rectangular in cross-section. The upper surface is divided into three parts by two sets of transverse double grooves. The lowest part comprises a moulded animal's head with a blunt snout, drilled ring-and-dot eyes, a pronounced brow running into the central nose, and pricked, rounded ears. The middle part is undecorated and has bevelled edges. The upper part is concave, terminating in two rounded lobes with a narrow projecting lobe between them. The larger lo…
Created on: Wednesday 9th December 2015
Last updated: Thursday 2nd April 2020
Spatial data recorded.