‘Britain’s Answer to Tutankhamun’ Discovered - An Undisturbed Tomb of an Anglo-Saxon Prince

Dubbed Britain's answer to Tutankhamun, the remains of an undisturbed Anglo-Saxon tomb of a prince from the 6th century has been discovered between a pub and an Aldi supermarket in Prittlewell, near Southend in Essex.

The gravesite was actually discovered back in the year 2003. The remains of a timber structure, that would have once covered the site, were discovered, measuring 13 feet by 5ft in size and as well as the body of the prince, it housed around 40 rare and precious artefacts. Like the tomb of Tutankhamun, thankfully this tomb wasn’t looted the finds remain intact.

Finds include a lyre, a type of ancient harp, and fragments of a 1,400-year-old box, thought to be the only surviving example of painted Anglo-Saxon woodwork in Britain.

Immaculate gold coins were also found, the beautifully decorated gold neck of a wooden drinking vessel, decorative coloured glass beakers, drinking horns as well as a flagon believed to have come from the Byzantine empire. There was also this incredibly preserved solid gold belt buckle inside the burial chamber.

According to the archaeologists, each piece had been placed within the tomb as part of a carefully choreographed burial rite, indicating the resting place of a man of princely lineage. Watch the video now to learn more.

All images are taken from Google Images for educational purposes only.

[AncientArchitects]

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[paulhunter]

Between a pub and an aldi supermarket . That's where they will find me .

[Dinkum_Aussie]

Incredible find! Thanks for bringing this to our attention! Thanks Matt 😎👍

[Astro]

This was discovered in my home town but was very hush hush at the time of discovery, I have learnt more about it in your five minute video than anywhere else, thank you for posting, there is also a very nice priory a couple of hundred yards away from the discovery site called Prittlewell priory built in around 1100AD that is worth a visit, there has also been a few Roman lead coffins discovered close to it when they built the railway line there, plenty of history in that little area.

[monastevenson]

Detailed research into a little known burial. You’re right about it’s importance and antiquity. Thanks for enlightening.

[stacysalinas]

Thanks for the great video! What an extraordinary find! Imagine walking by an Anglo Saxon burial every day, and not even knowing it is there!

[creekwalker]

Man I love archaeology! Very cool discovery.
Thank you AA for all of your reporting on dozens of new discoveries in the last 2 years.
Your channel is my 'go to' source for ancient history knowledge and study. Kudos!

[moonsaballoon]

Thanks Matt for this very old news...(grin)..I remember when they found this back in 2003.. The pub (The Saxon King) and Aldi's was'nt there then.. I live a few miles away and will be going to see the finds at the museum tomorrow 11th ..The grass verge where this was found is just that now...an overgrown levelled grass verge that runs along side the railway line ...there's not even a plaque there ! ....Any idea why it has taken 16 years for the public to see this ?

[hexadecimal]

Thankyou Matt for producing so many really interesting articles. I always know they are going to be great. Straight onto full screen everytime! No floating window for your stuff! Keep up your great work please.

[HH-nqwg]

Thanks again Matt for all your research into findings all over the world. I have learned so much from your videos. Cheers

[nonoahhh]

For all the lost.. destroyed.. history. This is refreshing. Amazing.

[andrewensign]

This is more archaeologically significant because of it's undeniably undisturbed nature. Let us be honest, there are far too many questions about Tutankhamun and the tomb discovered, so much out of place, the timing of the find, the "curse"...

[wokewoken]

Brilliant.
History keeps coming back to life !

[mike]

The UK series Time Team did an entire episode, including the actual excavation. Its called "King of Bling." easy to find on youtube.

[nancyvolker]

During WWII there was a cemetery uncovered when an airfield for the RAF was being constructed. It was A Saxon in origin

[bt]

Looking at Google Maps, to the south east of the Aldi is Victory Sports Ground. In the top left hand corner of this field are what appears to be two Circular marks in the grass. It would be amazing if what was under these Parch marks dated to the same era.

[HonestBottom]

Let's see what levels of transparency we get here in Blighty compared to from our friends in Egypt eh?

[hatshepsut]

Excellent so pleased we can view the finds, we should be equally excited about our history as that of those abroad, and think 5ft 8 in was tall for an Anglo Saxon. Thanks Matt.

[wesellis]

I live 5 minutes from this site. I remember loads of people calling themselves "camp bling" living there for a while to protect the site. The pub next door is called the "Saxon king" named after this site. Cool to see my hometown on a channel I've followed from the start

[GourmetGilda]

Honestly I’m surprised there aren’t more followers here?