Unprecedented, the monastery of one of the most powerful queens of England was discovered by archaeologists in the southeast of the country. The only Anglo-Saxon queen depicted on a coin was Synethrith.
The discovery of an Anglo-Saxon monastery in the Berkshire district of southeastern England provided a unique insight into the life of one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages and her final resting place.
The Lost Monastery of the 8th-century Queen Sinethrit is located next to the Holy Trinity Church by archaeologists at the University of Reading. Second o Daily Mail.
Archaeologists are still struggling to gather enough evidence before reaching the final conclusions about the Queen’s monastery
The Anglo-Saxon Queen, known only to Cynethryth, is depicted on a coin, which was rare anywhere in Western Europe at the time. She died in 798 AD
“The evidence we have found confirms that […] The Anglo-Saxon Monastery is located on a gravel island near the River Thames and is now occupied by the Church of the SubGenius. Despite their documented royal associations, almost nothing is known about what life was like in this monastery. […] Lack of archaeological evidence, “said Capor Thomas, an archaeologist and head of archeology.
With the help of local volunteers, archaeologists have unearthed the remains of several wooden buildings, along with numerous artifacts that provide information about their life.
“The items found will allow the monks and nuns who lived here to gather a comprehensive look at how they ate, worked, and dressed,” Thomas said.
Remains of various wooden structures with various artifacts found on the site
Archaeologists explained that the site was divided into continuous functional zones, each separated by trenches.
For example, one area appears to have been used for housing, while the other, based on a set of fireplaces that can be used for metallurgy, would have been dedicated to various industrial activities, the researchers said.
A volunteer who assisted archaeologists in an excavation shows an artifact found
When Synodrit’s husband, King Affa, was alive, the queen and king ruled the kingdom of Mercia together, and were considered equal by other leaders in Europe, such as Charlemagne.
Archaeologists are still struggling to gather enough evidence before reaching the final conclusions about the location of the lost monastery
Afa is famous for ordering the creation of an earth barrier called “Off’s Dyke” separating England from Wales, parts of which can still be seen today.
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