Explore

King Alfred’s jewel

A bigger picture

The Anglo-Saxons enjoyed a reputation as goldsmiths and silversmiths reaching far beyond the limits of their own land. Anglo-Saxon goldsmiths were influenced by foreign styles and techniques; and many of the materials they used would certainly have been acquired through foreign trade.

Brooch

31-bigpic-01

Brooch from Kent with Scandinavian influence.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/disc-on-bow-brooch/0gEMow0l2GD8YA

Necklace

31-bigpic-02

The Desborough necklace. This style of necklace spread from Italy to Anglo-Saxon England via Francia and Frisia (an area now covered by France, Germany and the Low Countries).

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=95936&partId=1&searchText=Desborough+necklace&page=1

Buckle

31-bigpic-05

Silver and gold buckle in a Germanic style.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/silver-and-gold-buckle-decorated-with-a-fish/7AEdhFykoWXTmQ

Brooch with garnets

31-bigpic-04

Disc brooch decorated with garnets, blue glass and white shell, probably an imitation of the Frankish style.

See more See more: https://www.google.com/culturalinstitute/beta/asset/plated-disc-brooch/2gH9MkCGx_aKxw

Pendants

31-bigpic-03

Gold disc pendants influenced by Byzantine fashions.

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=87581&partId=1&searchText=pendant+yorkshire&page=1

Pendant from North Yorkshire

31-bigpic-06

Filigree and garnet gold disc pendant from North Yorkshire. Disc shaped pendants such as this have been found all across Anglo-Saxon England.

See more See more: http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/pe_mla/g/gold_disc_pendant-1.aspx
Next section: Teaching ideas
31_alfred_banner

King Alfred’s jewel