A 16-year-old woman, laid to rest in the 7th century near Cambridge (UK), has been brought back to life through the reconstruction of her face using the remarkable and unique “Trumpington Cross” made of gold and garnet. This intriguing depiction was recently revealed to the public, accompanied by new scientific findings that shed light on her life. It was discovered that she migrated from Central Europe to England at a young age, resulting in a fascinating transformation in her dietary habits.
The enigmatic woman’s burial site, unearthed in 2012 by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit at Trumpington Meadows on the outskirts of Cambridge, contained various artifacts, including her famous cross. These items, along with her image, will be showcased in a significant exhibition titled “Beneath Our Feet: Archaeology of the Cambridge Region” at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) in Cambridge, running from June 21st to April 14th, 2024.
Forensic artist Hew Morrison skillfully reconstructed her likeness using measurements from her skull and tissue depth data for Caucasian females. Although her precise eye and hair color could not be determined without DNA analysis, the image provides a strong indication of her appearance shortly before her demise. Morrison noted an interesting detail—the slightly lower positioning of her left eye, around half a centimeter below the right eye, which would have been noticeable during her lifetime.
Isotopic analysis of the young woman’s bones and teeth, conducted by bioarchaeologists Dr. Sam Leggett and Dr. Alice Rose, along with archaeologist Dr. Emma Brownlee during their Ph.D. research at the University of Cambridge, revealed that she migrated to England from a location near the Alps, possibly southern Germany, after the age of seven.
The analysis further showed that upon her arrival in England, there was a small but significant decrease in the proportion of protein in her diet. This dietary change occurred towards the end of her short life, indicating the tragic brevity of the period between her migration and burial near Cambridge.
Dr. Leggett, now at the University of Edinburgh, commented on her journey, stating that she was a young girl who traveled a great distance from southern Germany, close to the Alps, to a flat and unfamiliar region in England. He speculated that she was likely unwell during this migration, making the experience even more daunting. The shift in her diet suggests a significant change in her lifestyle upon arrival.
While previous analysis indicated that the young woman had experienced illness, the cause of her death remains unknown. Her burial was extraordinary, with her lying on a carved wooden bed adorned with the cross, gold pins (also on display), and exquisite clothing.
This unique bed burial is one of only 18 ever discovered in the UK, and her ornate cross, crafted from gold and garnets in the third quarter of the 7th century, is one of only five of its kind found in Britain. It identifies her as one of England’s earliest converts to Christianity and suggests her aristocratic or even royal status. The most well-known example of a similar cross was found in St. Cuthbert’s coffin.
In 597 AD, St. Augustine was sent by the pope on a mission to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxon kings, which continued for many decades.
Dr. Leggett speculated on the young woman’s significance, noting that she must have been aware of her importance and carried that weight with her. The isotopic results align with those of two other women who were also buried on beds during the same period in Cambridgeshire. This suggests that she belonged to an elite group of women who likely migrated from mainland Europe, possibly Germany, in the 7th century. However, their true purpose and roles remain a mystery. Were they political brides or devoted followers of Christ? The dietary changes observed upon her arrival in England hint at a significant shift in her lifestyle.
Dr. Sam Lucy, an Anglo-Saxon burial specialist from Newnham College, Cambridge, who published the findings of the Trumpington excavations, expressed fascination with these discoveries. The combination of new isotopic results and research on European bed burials indicates the movement of a small group of young elite women from a mountainous area in continental Europe to the Cambridge region during the third quarter of the seventh century. Southern Germany emerges as a plausible origin due to the known tradition of bed burials in that region. The association between bed burials, cross-shaped jewelry, and early Anglo-Saxon Christianity suggests a possible connection to pan-European networks involving elite women heavily involved in the early Church.
Dr. Jody Joy, co-curator of the exhibition, emphasized the significance of this young woman’s story, stating that it epitomizes the essence of their exhibition—new research that brings to light the lives of people during pivotal moments in Cambridgeshire’s history. With MAA housing one of Britain’s most important collections of Early Medieval archaeology, the Trumpington bed burial holds a crucial place. It is clear that it still has much to teach us.
At the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to view the “Trumpington Cross” alongside delicate gold and garnet pins connected by a gold chain, which were discovered near the neck of the young woman. These pins were likely used to secure a long veil to her fine linen outer garment. As she moved, the pins would have caught the light, adding to her striking appearance. The exhibition will also feature the decorative headboard from the burial bed, providing a glimpse into the artistic intricacies of the era.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Archaeological discovery
What is the Trumpington Cross exhibition about?
The Trumpington Cross exhibition explores the secrets of a 16-year-old woman buried 1400 years ago near Cambridge. It showcases her reconstructed face, the unique Trumpington Cross artifact, and sheds light on her migration, dietary changes, and possible elite status.
When and where is the exhibition taking place?
The exhibition, titled “Beneath Our Feet: Archaeology of the Cambridge Region,” is being held at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA) in Cambridge. It runs from June 21st to April 14th, 2024.
How was the woman’s face reconstructed?
Forensic artist Hew Morrison used measurements from the woman’s skull and tissue depth data to create the facial reconstruction. While her precise eye and hair color couldn’t be determined without DNA analysis, the image offers a strong representation of her appearance before her death.
What does the isotopic analysis reveal about her?
Isotopic analysis of her bones and teeth showed that she migrated from a location near the Alps, possibly southern Germany, to England after the age of seven. The analysis also indicated a change in her diet upon arrival in England, suggesting a significant shift in her lifestyle.
What makes the Trumpington Cross artifact significant?
The Trumpington Cross, made of gold and garnets, is a unique and remarkable artifact from the third quarter of the 7th century. It identifies the woman as one of England’s earliest converts to Christianity and suggests her aristocratic or royal status.
How does this burial compare to others?
The woman’s burial is one of only 18 bed burials ever discovered in the UK. The combination of her ornate cross, the presence of gold pins, and fine clothing further distinguishes her burial as a significant find.
What is the significance of her migration?
The woman’s migration from mainland Europe, possibly southern Germany, to England in the 7th century raises questions about her purpose and role. Was she a political bride or a devoted follower of Christianity? The exhibition explores these intriguing possibilities.
What can visitors expect to see at the exhibition?
Visitors will have the opportunity to view the reconstructed face of the woman, the Trumpington Cross, delicate gold and garnet pins, and the decorative headboard from the burial bed. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the rich history and cultural context of the time.
More about Archaeological discovery
- University of Cambridge Archaeological Unit: Link
- Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (MAA): Link
- Cambridge Archaeological Unit: Link
- University of Edinburgh: Link
- Newnham College, Cambridge: Link
- St. Cuthbert: Link
- Early Medieval Archaeology: Link
- Bed Burials in England: Link
- Anglo-Saxon Christianity: Link
- Trumpington Cross: Link
- Trumpington Meadows: Link
3 comments
Whoa, a teenage girl buried 1400 yrs ago? Thats sooo ancient! Luv how they made her face using her skull. Too bad no dna for eye n hair color, but still interesting. Exhibition sounds epic, wanna see those artifacts!
wow, ths article is sooo cool! I didnt knw they cud recreate sum1s face frm that long ago. 2 bad they didnt find dna 2 know hr exact eye n hair color. bt i luv th idea of an exhibition showcasing hr n hr artifacts. gotta go check it out!
Omg! This exhibition sounds amazin! I luv ancient stuff n the fact that they reconstructed hr face is mind-blowing. I wish they cud do dna 2 knw hr eye n hair color tho. Def gonna visit this museum n see the Trumpington Cross!