What does the analysis of copper-alloy brooches reveal about the social and economic landscapes of Early Anglo-Saxon Cambridgeshire and Suffolk?

Abstract

This thesis examines the social and economic landscape of the Early Anglo-Saxon period by analysing copper-alloy brooches using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Two clusters of cemeteries, one in Cambridgeshire and the other in Suffolk, were chosen to have their brooches analysed. The results of my analysis, and other academic research were studied, to see if any connections could be made between trade and exchange and the political and social structures of the region. The results of the analysis showed patterns in the elemental make up of the brooches; particular cemeteries within the clusters of cemeteries had brooches that were very close in percentage terms of copper and its alloys. Using this patterning and the other academic research gave a picture of the social and economic landscape, suggesting where elite groups were buried and the flow of trade and exchange. The patterns indicated three groups of cemeteries in particular which had brooches with similar elemental make ups; these include a copper group, a lead group and the Suffolk group. The copper group were of notable interest as it has brooches with high copper content, because copper was not mined in the Early Anglo-Saxon period and was either imported or recycled from other objects. The group also has other brooches with elemental similarities. One of the cemeteries in this group is situated on the Icknield Way, an ancient track way, and the others are located near to the River Granta, a tributary of the Cam, both of which were important trading routes. The results, together with the other academic research, suggest they were the elite group of the area. These results show that with the analysis of copper-alloy brooches a more complete picture can be postulated of the Early Anglo-Saxon period.