A metal detectorist hit historical gold in the UK when he uncovered a 1,200-year-old gilded cross in the dirt. The four-armed cross, with one of the arms broken off and a missing center jewel appears to be in the “Saxon” style of crosses and was found in the city of Leeds. A press release about the pendant described it as “a stunning example of metalwork, made from solid silver covered with a thin layer of gold leaf.” The find was dated to around the 8^th century, with archaeologists believing it might have belonged to a church leader or official. “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,” said historian Kat Baxter, a curator of archaeology at Leeds Museums and Galleries.

Leeds at the time would have been part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, an important kingdom that archaeologists still have much to learn about. The kingdom was first mentioned by St. Bede (the Venerable Bede) in the 8^th century. It was originally a pagan kingdom until Christianity became the dominant religion around the 7^th century. It’s “golden age” would have occurred between the 7^th and 8^th centuries, right around the time the cross is dated. The kingdom would eventually break apart after repeated attacks by the Danes, but not before leaving behind such interesting finds as the cross.

Baxter spoke of the importance of chance discoveries like this one in bringing more information to light. “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,” she said.

The pendant will go through what is called the Portable Antiquities Scheme Treasure process and make its home in the Leeds City Museum later this year. Salma Arif, a member of the Leeds City Council, spoke about having the cross join their museum. “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,” she said.