An Anglo-Saxon gold cross, probably of mid 7th century date, was ploughed up in March 1967 at Aldington Farm, Thurnham. The cross was declared not to be treasure trove and was sold at Sotheby's in November to a private collector. (1-3) TQ 814576. An Anglo-Saxon gold cross was found in 1967 by Mr. P. Beer of Thurnham while harrowing a field north of the Pilgrim's Way. (4) Now sold (Sotheby's). Find site as given to the police by Beer is TQ 81315753 (a) but the exact find spot is not really known as it is obvious the object was dragged about before recognition. An important and unique find presumably from a burial but perambulation revealed nothing significant. (5) (TQ 814576) Thurnham. A gold cross (6.7 cm. long), set with a central garnet and with garnets at each end of the arms (one stone missing), was found during harrowing. The cross belongs to a series of Kentish and East Anglian garnet-and-gold crosses. It is made of pale gold and is probably, therefore, of late-7th c. date. It is now in a private collection in London. (6) Additional bibliography. (7)(8)

<1> Kent AR 10 1967 13 (OS Card Reference). SKE45712.

<2> Kent AR 11 1968 18 (OS Card Reference). SKE45715.

<3> The Times 28-Nov-67 p16 (OS Card Reference). SKE50530.

<4> Arch Cant 82 1967 297-8 (D B Kelly) (OS Card Reference). SKE35751.

<5> D B Kelly Arch Asst Maidstone Museum (OS Card Reference). SKE39544.

<6> F1 CFW 07-NOV-69 (OS Card Reference). SKE42473.

<7> Medieval Arch 12 1968 159 (OS Card Reference). SKE46834.

<8> Aspects of Anglo-Saxon Archaeology 1974 28 plate 4 (R Bruce-Mitford) (OS Card Reference). SKE37415.

<9> Sunday Times 19-Nov-67 (OS Card Reference). SKE49716.

<10> Field report for monument TQ 85 NW 24 - November, 1969 (Bibliographic reference). SKE4444.