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This is a cloissonné disc brooch dating from the late Anglo-Saxon period (c.AD 970-1100) and was recently found by a metal-detectorist on farmland near Winscombe and Sandford in North Somerset. While similar brooches have been found in other parts of England – including in Norfolk (search NMS-7D3199 on the Portable Antiquities Scheme website: http://www.finds.org.uk), Peterborough (CAM-CFA155), and Leicestershire (LEIC-5F4091) – this is a rare find for the south-west and the first of its type to be recorded on the PAS database in Somerset. As such, it has been designated a ‘find of note’ by the local Finds Liaison Officer.
The brooch is made of copper alloy and is approximately 2.5cm in diameter. Although the pin fixings that would have been soldered on to the back have since been lost, traces of where the catch plate and lugs would have been remain. Additionally, most of the 12 lobes that once decorated the outside edge of the brooch have either been broken off or worn away. The cloisonné insert on the front of the brooch is in good condition, however, with most of the enamel still present. The main design is that of a saltire, or diagonal cross, comprised of wavy-edged arms decorated with dark blue enamel. Two of the angles created by the arms of the cross are decorated with a turquoise enamel, while the other two are decorated with a lighter blue enamel. This brooch is known as a Weetch 2014 Type 20.A. In particular, the brooch found in Norfolk in 2022 (NMS-7D3199) is very similar, also featuring a blue wavy saltire on the front but with green enamel in between the arms.
For more information about this brooch, see https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1200550 or search SOM-F96ACB on the PAS database.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is an initiative to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. For more information on the Scheme, and to browse its database of almost 1.8 million finds, visit https://finds.org.uk. Information on this find was provided by Laura Beckwith, Finds Liaison Officer for Somerset.
Text: Rebecca Preedy / Image: Portable Antiquities Scheme
