[TR 32476046]. An Anglo-Saxon burial, probably 4th century was found in the Claudian ditches 722 ft north of Richborough Fort and 3.5 ft below the modern surface. The skull lay face downwards and the rest of the skeleton was in disorder. Alongside the body was a sword about 2ft 9in long, an iron umbo, a distinctive type of spear-head, several examples of which are known from fourth century sites in Schleswig, and a pewter bowl. (1) On exhibition in Richborough Castle Museum are a late 4th Century iron spearhead and shield boss from this burial. (Date of find not given). (2) TR 324603. Inhumation burial. 1928. A grave, found by chance in the Claudian ditch, north of Richborough Castle, contained the skeleton of a man, with long sword spear, shield and pewter bowl. (See illustration card). Bushe-fox called it the burial of a Saxon raider, but no band of Saxon raiders would have buried one of their number in such careful fashion within sight of a Roman fort. German, he may well have been, but this warrior was certainly one of the Richborough garrison: one of the defenders and not one of the attackers. This apparently solitary burial is likely to be part of an as yet unexcavated cemetery of the 'Saxon-shore' fort. The presence of other soldiers with similar equipment is attested by the finds in ditch fillings and top soil. (3,4)

<1> Richborough IV 1949 80 (J P Bushe-Fox) (OS Card Reference). SKE49255.

<2> F1 ASP 04.10.63 (OS Card Reference). SKE41915.

<3> Md Arch 5 1961 17 18 illus (S C Hawkes) (OS Card Reference). SKE46639.

<4> Gaz of Early AS Burial sites 1964 133 (A L S Meaney) (OS Card Reference). SKE43543.

<5> Field report for monument TR 36 SW 16 - October, 1963 (Bibliographic reference). SKE6279.