NHER 4176 (Find Spot record) - Early Saxon pottery

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Summary

Pottery fragments were found when a new road was constructed west of the church between 1839 and 1840. At the time of discovery, the pottery was described as Roman, but the description of the urns suggests that they were actually of Early Saxon date and may have been cremation urns, in which case they could relate to a cemetery.

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Location

Map sheet TF81SE
Civil Parish GREAT DUNHAM, BRECKLAND, NORFOLK

'In 1839 to 1840 in making a new road westwards from the church some Roman urns were found or rather fragments of them neatly ornamented, some of which are in the possession of the Rev. Jackson the Curate.'
See (S1).

This road located by E. Rose (NAU) 7 June 1978 from the road orders in NRO.
E. Rose (NAU).

Although the urns were described as Roman, it is possible that they may be of Early Saxon date. Pottery vessels of Saxon date found during the 18th and early 19th centuries were often misidentified as being Roman. If the urns were of Saxon date it is possible that they may relate to a cemetery.
J. Albone (HES), 2 Nov 2010.

  • --- Record Card: Clarke, R. R. and NCM Staff. 1933-1973. Norwich Castle Museum Record Card - Roman. Dunham (Great).
  • --- Record Card: NAU Staff. 1974-1988. Norfolk Archaeological Index Primary Record Card.
  • <S1> Documentary Source: Goddard Johnson. MSS Goddard Johnson. Norfolk Record Office. Vol 2 f.100.
  • POT (Roman - 43 AD to 409 AD)
  • POT (Early Saxon - 411 AD to 650 AD)

Related NHER Records (0)

Record last edited

Mar 23 2026 4:15PM

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