1,200-year-old gilded cross found by metal detectorist in UK field. ‘Remarkable’

Experts are learning more about a “remarkable” ancient pendant unearthed in England in 2024, calling it a “fascinating glimpse” into life in the region roughly 1,200 years ago.

The Saxon pendant — a gilded pectoral cross — was discovered by a metal detectorist in a field in Leeds and is believed to date back to the eighth century, according to a May 12 news release from the Leeds City Council.

Despite the cross missing its top arm and central stone, experts said it’s a “stunning example of metalwork.”

The cross, made from solid silver, covered with gold leaf and decorated with an intricate pattern, was likely “worn by someone of high status and was an outward display of religious identity,” officials said in the release.

One theory is that it may have been a badge for a church leader or official, according to the release.

The cross was the latest in a string of “significant” archaeological discoveries in the region dating back to ancient Saxon and Roman cultures, according to experts.

Other recent finds were a lead coffin buried for more than 1,600 years containing the remains of a wealthy woman, and the West Yorkshire Hoard — a collection of objects that included high-quality gold jewelry worn by people of “exceptional wealth” dating from the seventh to 11th centuries, officials said.

“All of these finds are part of a puzzle which together show that Leeds was home to high-status, important individuals during the Saxon period,” said Kat Baxter, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of archaeology.

Baxter said there are likely more objects to be discovered, adding that responsible metal detectorists play “a really important role in increasing our understanding of local history.”

The cross is ready to be displayed at Leeds City Museum later this year, according to officials.

This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 4:46 PM with the headline "1,200-year-old gilded cross found by metal detectorist in UK field. ‘Remarkable’."

Lauren Liebhaber

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Lauren Liebhaber covers international science news with a focus on taxonomy and archaeology at McClatchy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University and a master’s degree from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Previously, she worked as a data journalist at Stacker.