Ep 1. Anglo-Saxon Cemetery in Lincolnshire

In this episode of Time Team season 8, the team sets their sights on an Anglo-Saxon Cemetery in Lincolnshire. The site is believed to be from the Anglo-Saxon period, which spanned from the 5th century to the 11th century AD. The team hopes to discover artifacts from this period, as well as gain insight into the burial practices of the time.

The team begins their investigation by conducting a geophysical survey of the site. This involves using advanced technology, such as ground-penetrating radar and magnetometry, to create a map of the underground features of the cemetery. The survey reveals a number of anomalies, which could be indicative of burial mounds or other structures.

After analyzing the results of the geophysical survey, the team selects several areas to excavate. They start by digging small test pits, which allow them to get a sense of what lies beneath the surface without disturbing too much of the soil. In one of the test pits, the team uncovers a fragment of a silver brooch, which was likely worn by a woman buried in the cemetery.

As the excavation continues, the team uncovers more and more evidence of the cemetery's Anglo-Saxon past. They discover a number of graves, some of which contain skeletons and artifacts such as pottery and beads. By analyzing the position of the skeletons and the objects found in the graves, the team is able to make educated guesses about the individuals buried there.

One of the most interesting finds of the episode is a grave that contains the remains of a young girl. The team is able to determine that she was probably around 12 years old when she died, and that she was buried with a number of items that were likely important to her. These include a small knife, a bone comb, and a bead necklace.

Throughout the episode, the team faces a number of challenges, including inclement weather and the delicate nature of the artifacts they're handling. However, they persevere, using their expertise and experience to glean as much information as possible from the site.

By the end of the episode, the team has uncovered a wealth of information about the Anglo-Saxon Cemetery in Lincolnshire. They've discovered a number of graves, each with its own story to tell, and have gained valuable insight into the burial practices of the time. Their findings will help to expand our understanding of this fascinating period in British history.