Walberton 'warrior' burial, West Sussex

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One of the most exciting finds from our excavations in Walberton was a late Iron Age/ early Roman burial featuring a sword and a spear. These are sometimes called ‘warrior’ burials and are very rare in Sussex. The skeleton was absent, likely dissolved by unfavourable soil conditions.

The sword was found in the remains of a highly decorated scabbard, with an intricate copper mount at the mouth that would have been highly visible when worn. Conservation work is ongoing on both sword and spear.

The pots placed in the grave are all jars made from local clays. Their form is typical of the 1st century AD. They might have contained funerary offerings, perhaps intended to provide sustenance for the deceased in the afterlife.

The dark stain in the grave is the remains of a wooden ‘container’ of some kind, which would have been used to lower the individual into the grave.

Archaeological investigations are ongoing, and we hope to learn more about the grave and its absent occupant soon!