Excavation of double burial, Cherington, Gloucestershire, EnglandCotswold Archaeology
Posted on 05/13/2026 12:01:40 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
DNA testing has finally revealed that two mysterious individuals -- a young boy and a teenage girl entombed together in a rare Anglo-Saxon double burial -- were brother and sister, according to a report by The Independent. The pair initially drew attention two years ago when they were discovered in Cherington, Gloucestershire, because of the unusual way they were laid to rest. Both children had been placed gently on their sides. The young girl faced her brother and had been propped up in a way, perhaps on pillows, that made it look like she was watching over her younger sibling during his eternal rest. The boy was still grasping a sword, while the girl was buried with a workbox. Experts believe it is likely that the two died suddenly of the same quick-acting infectious disease and their grave provides new insight into Anglo-Saxon family relationships and dynamics. "Recently realizing the two children buried were actually brother and sister really brings the human side of our Anglo-Saxon past much closer," says Matt Nicol, senior project officer at Cotswold Archaeology. "It becomes more poignant, in a way we very rarely experience." To read about a similar personal item found in a woman's grave in Wiltshire, go to "Artifact: Anglo-Saxon Workbox."
(Excerpt) Read more at archaeology.org ...
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Excavation of double burial, Cherington, Gloucestershire, EnglandCotswold Archaeology
If it’s in Staines...they were also husband and wife.
Time Team TV show has covered this find and have covered it in their monthly videos.
Like Omar and her brother?
We were just 20 miles from there in Bourton-on-the-Water last September. Beautiful country. We walked a lot through the Cotswolds.
People in those ancient times were used to death and kids dying. I wonder how parents handled the frequent death of their offspring back then. Was there sorrow? Just cold acceptance?
Like when it happens today, each according to their gifts.
Ping.
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