'Special Deposits' in Anglo-Saxon Settlements

Abstract WHILE THE archaeological evidence for ritual activity in Later Prehistoric and Romano-British settlements is reasonably plentiful, there has been little discussion of such evidence from Anglo-Saxon settlements. This paper presents a preliminary survey of 'special' deposits, primarily of humans and animals, within Anglo-Saxon settlements and considers what the composition, context and placement of such — presumably votive — deposits tells us about the nature of Anglo-Saxon ritual. This evidence is compared to that from Iron-age and Roman Britain, as well as Continental NW. Europe. In particular, the relationship of special deposits to buildings, boundaries and entrances is considered.