Compiled picture of archaeological finds in our collection

Designated as a museum with an outstanding collection

Saxon Southampton

Map showing location of Saxon settlement in Southampton

The middle Saxon (c.700-850) town of Hamwic was situated around what is now Northam and St Marys.

Hamwic was an important port, and finds of pottery, glass, coins, stone and metalwork point to trading connections with Scandinavia, France, the Low Countries and the Rhineland.

Excavations have also shown that many crafts and industries, including pottery making, iron working, lead making, weaving and bone working were practiced in Hamwic. We can picture Hamwic as a busy, densely settled town of merchants and craft's people.

Hamwic declined towards the end of the 9th century, presumably as a result of economic and political changes brought about, in part, by Viking activity. The excavations at Hamwic have resulted in one of the best collections of Middle Saxon finds in Europe.

A selection of Saxon objects are available in a Handling Box, which can be taken out to schools by our Education Officer.

Image of a Medieval Ampulla and a Saxon bone comb

For information and queries about this page please contact Duncan Brown at Southampton City Council:
Email dh.brown@southampton.gov.uk Tel +44 (0)23 8063 5904

Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, Southampton, SO14 7LY - email gateway@southampton.gov.uk - tel 023 8022 3855 - minicom 023 8083 2798