Anglo-Saxon hall found in Kent is 'tip of the iceberg'

An Anglo-Saxon feasting hall unearthed beneath a village green in Kent could represent the "tip of the iceberg", according to archaeologists who believe it lies amid an entire complex of ancient buildings
Nick Collins

The rare 7th to 9th century hall, which would have accommodated up to 60 people during royal feasts, was the first to be discovered in more than 30 years when it was excavated by Reading University experts this summer.

But further developments are expected over the coming years as researchers plan to scour the surrounding area in the hope of finding an entire network of other buildings.

Feasting halls like the one uncovered in Lyminge, which contained jewels, animal bones and a broken horse's harness, were always part of a larger complex of houses built for accommodation and other ceremonial purposes during royal visits, experts explained.

The initial trench in which the hall was first glimpsed also contained the foundations of another building, suggesting the newly discovered site is no exception.

Dr Gabor Thomas, the excavation director, said: "Probably the best excavated complex is a site called Yeavering in Northumbria which produced what seemed to be some kind of grandstand

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/archaeology/9646078/Anglo-Saxon-hall-found-in-Kent-is-tip-of-the-iceberg.html