Dig Unearths Second Oven at Ancient Site

A significant Anglo-Saxon archaeological site near Felton, Northumberland, has yielded a second oven during recent excavations. This discovery builds upon previous findings, including unbaked loom weights used for weaving heavy-duty cloth and lead gaming pieces from the Viking era. The site's artifacts indicate a history spanning from the sixth to the ninth centuries.

Archaeologists believe the inhabitants were highly organized, producing both art and essential goods for the local economy. The large loom weights suggest the production of heavy cloth potentially used for tents or sails. The area is described as a busy meeting place, a hub where people frequently gathered, highlighting its importance in the region.

Further excavations this year revealed more large pits and the possibility of another timber-built structure. These ongoing discoveries suggest a more extensive and complex settlement than initially understood. The finds are considered particularly important for Northumberland, given the limited Anglo-Saxon archaeological evidence in the county.