A remarkable archaeological discovery is rewriting the story of Anglo-Saxon England. Near the quiet village of Skipsea in East Yorkshire, researchers have unearthed the remains of an “elite” settlement, a place of power and craftsmanship lost to time.
The site, a complex of structures dating from 750 to 850 A.D., holds a unique connection to one of England’s most famous, and ultimately tragic, figures: Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king. The land itself once belonged to him, a silent witness to the approaching Norman conquest.
Excavations have revealed the foundations of a substantial malthouse, a towering timber structure, and a grand hall – buildings that speak to a community far removed from the ordinary. These weren’t the dwellings of commoners, but the hallmarks of a high-status center.
Intriguingly, a sunken structure has also been uncovered, its purpose still debated. Was it a watchtower, scanning the landscape for threats? A bell tower, calling the community to assembly? Or perhaps even a unique tower-nave church, blending the sacred and the practical?
Evidence suggests the site was deliberately fortified, enclosed by a protective ditch and bank. This wasn’t simply a settlement; it was a lordly center, a place of control and influence in a turbulent era.
The discovery of a dry oven and a clay floor offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life. These features were integral to the process of brewing, indicating the production of alcohol was a significant activity at the site.
Craftsmanship flourished here. Archaeologists have found evidence of metalworking and hornworking, suggesting skilled artisans plied their trades within these walls. The scale of the timber hall – a massive 52 feet long – further emphasizes the site’s importance.
While the malthouse predates Harold Godwinson’s ownership, the hall and tower likely stood during his lifetime. Yet, despite owning the land, there’s no record, no whisper in the historical accounts, of the king ever setting foot in Skipsea. A mystery that may forever remain unsolved.
The landscape itself has changed dramatically over the centuries. The site once overlooked a now-vanished lake, and even older traces of prehistoric activity have been found, hinting at centuries of human presence, including evidence of feasting and flint toolmaking.
For the next three years, excavations will continue each May, offering invaluable fieldwork experience to generations of archaeology students. This ongoing investigation promises to reveal even more secrets of this remarkable Anglo-Saxon site.
This discovery echoes another recent find linked to Harold Godwinson – the location of one of his residences in Bosham, revealed through the unlikely clue of an ancient toilet. These glimpses into the life of the last Anglo-Saxon king are slowly piecing together a more complete picture of a pivotal moment in English history.
