Level 3 - Life in Early Anglo-Saxon Sussex

Cemeteries

Skeleton from Appledown Anglo-Saxon cemetery

A number of 5th century Anglo-Saxon cemeteries have been found in Sussex, all except Highdown lying between the Ouse and Cuckmere rivers. During the 6th and 7th centuries, the cemeteries spread westwards as far as the Downs north-east of Chichester, and eastwards as far as Eastbourne. This was undoubtedly because of territorial expansion, although it must be remarked that apart from the cemetery at Apple Down, there was relatively little early Anglo-Saxon activity west of the Arun River. Similarly, there is an apparent absence of cemeteries or settlements to the east of Eastbourne and to the north of the Downs.

These cemeteries are our best source of evidence on Anglo-Saxon life, as they often contained a wealth of grave goods. Alfriston for example had graves containing glass vessels, shield bosses, spearheads, jewellery and in one instance a cowrie shell, which can only have come from the Indian Ocean. A comprehensive selection is included in the database.