Aspects of 7th- to 11th-century Norwich

Norwich's Middle Saxon origins as Norvic/Northwic remain obscure, and its Anglo-Scandinavian aspects have seen little recognition until recently. Five excavations in the historic core of the settlement revealed archaeological remains of the 7th to 11th centuries, including a dispersed 'coin hoard of the late 7th or early 8th century. Triggered by the Danish invasion of AD 865, a burh to the north of the river enclosed the earlier mercantile center and its river crossing during the early 10th century. Much of the archaeological evidence finds parallels at other Anglo-Scandinavian centres of the period.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 138 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Oxford Archaeology East

Despite extensive archaeological investigations in Norwich spanning several decades, the origins of the settlement remain shrouded in mystery and elusive, particularly regarding its Middle Saxon identity as Norvic/Northwic. Moreover, its Anglo-Scandinavian aspects have received relatively limited recognition until recent times. This comprehensive report delves into five significant excavations conducted within the historic core of the settlement, situated on either side of the River Wensum, which are interconnected by a crossing. These excavations unearthed archaeological remnants dating from the 7th to 11th centuries, shedding light on the early history of Norwich.

The excavations were particularly noteworthy for their discovery of in-situ archaeological features of Middle Saxon origin, alongside a diverse array of contemporary findings. Among these discoveries were a scattered hoard of coins, believed to be from the late 7th or early 8th century, which significantly bolsters the hypothesis of an early trading center in Norwich.

The impetus for these excavations can be traced back to the Danish invasion of East Anglia in AD 865, which led to the construction of a burh to the north of the river. This burh enclosed the earlier mercantile center and its river crossing during the early 10th century, effectively creating a fortified settlement. Sites located further south, such as Conesford, also had Middle Saxon origins and formed part of Norwich's second burh, which was enclosed during the 10th or early 11th century.

A remarkable aspect of these archaeological findings is the similarity in construction techniques observed on both sides of the river. Noteworthy examples include sunken-floored buildings of urban form, one of which contained the remnants of a fishing net. Such architectural features are reminiscent of other Anglo-Scandinavian centers of the period and offer valuable insights into the cultural and economic practices of the time.

This new analysis presents an opportunity to reassess the pre-Norman settlement at Norwich and its intricate relationship with the river, trade, overseas contacts, agricultural activities, and the fishing industry. By examining the archaeological evidence in detail, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and cultural dynamics that shaped Norwich during its early medieval period.

In conclusion, the excavations conducted in Norwich's historic core have provided valuable insights into the origins and development of the settlement. Through their exploration of the 7th to 11th century archaeological remains, researchers have uncovered in-situ features of Middle Saxon origin, as well as a diverse range of contemporary findings. These discoveries have shed light on the early stages of Norwich's growth as a trading center and fortified settlement, and have contributed to our understanding of the broader pre-Norman period in East Anglia.

ISBN-13: 9781907588150