The harsh reality of life and death in the Hartlepool area in medieval times and reconstructing kinship from dental analysis of individuals from the East Mill Lane, Norton medieval cemetery.
These are just two of the topics coming under the spotlight in an upcoming Tees Archaeology event.
This year's Tees Archaeology Day takes place on Saturday 3 October from 9.30am to 4pm in the Jim Cooke Suite at Stockton Central Library, Church Road, TS18 1TU.
The event will feature a number of guest speakers and explore exciting new research into the Early Medieval period in Northern England carried out over the last five years. Topics will include Hart, Norton, Ingleby Barwick, Lindisfarne, York and the Coquet Valley.
A particular focus – including over an hour of talks and a finds display - will be on the Hart Manor site near Hartlepool where a 2016 excavation uncovered 365 burials, including children, adults and unusual multiple graves. The skeletons provide a remarkable glimpse into health, diet, work, disease and violence in the Anglo-Saxon period.
The skeletons record the physical demands of everyday life, including manual labour, accidents and repeated injuries, along with violent deaths. Thirteen adults had injuries, such as blade wounds and decapitation. The unusual pattern of these injuries may provide clues to a violent event or raid.
A grave marker showing the name Glaethild, from the Hart Manor excavations
The other presentations on the day will include ‘Early Medieval Cremations from Ingleby Barwick’, ‘New Multi-Period Perspectives on the Early Medieval Palace at Yeavering, Northumberland’, Training in 5th - 11th Century Pottery in York’, ‘Recent Fieldwork in Lindisfarne Heugh’ and ‘The Power of Weaving and Early-Middle Anglo-Saxon Estate Centre in the Coquet Valley, Northumberland.’
There will also be an opportunity to view a 3D replica of the remains of the lower part of a nationally-important Anglo-Scandinavian cross from the first half of the 10th century, believed to be the lost Carlton/Thorpe Cross.
The replica of the lower part of the Anglo-Scandinavian cross
Looking ahead to Tees Archaeology Day, Dr Emma Watson, Tees Archaeology Team Leader, said: “We have long been awaiting the exciting results from the Hart Manor site and cannot wait to uncover more details about the 365 burials found in a relatively tiny area, with some amazing artefacts and stories.
“However, the programme for the event goes far beyond that and we will be enjoying talks from many of the foremost specialists in their field. This is going to be a very engaging and enlightening day!”
Tickets for Tees Archaeology Day cost £25 for adults and £15 for students, including tea and coffee and a buffet lunch.
To book, contact Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square on 01429 869706, Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, or visit in person. (At the same time please also advise of any special dietary requirements).
For more information, email Dr Emma Watson at emma.watson2@hartlepool.gov.uk