In one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the past several decades, the remains of an Anglo-Saxon island that was home to a Middle Saxon settlement have been found at Little Carlton near Louth in Lincolnshire.

The findings have been reported by archaeologists from the University of Sheffield, who are of the opinion that their work has only revealed an enticing glimpse of the settlement so far. It is believed that the site is a previously unknown monastic or trading centre.

The discovery was made as a local metal detection expert Graham Vickers. Vickers reported an interesting item, a silver stylus, to the Lincolnshire Finds Liaison Officer (FLO), Dr Adam Daubney. The effort by Vickers was part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme, which encourages the voluntary recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales.

Found from a disturbed plough field, the silver stylus— one among many intriguing items found at the site — is an ornate writing object probably used in the 8th century. The object was an indication of the significant settlement lying below.

Further exploration by researchers led to the discovery of a large number of artefacts, including 21 styli, around 300 dress pins, and a huge number of ‘Sceattas’, coins from the 7th-8th centuries, a small lead tablet with faint but legible letters spelling ‘Cudberg’, which is a female Anglo-Saxon name.

After the interesting finds were reported, Dr. Hugh Willmott and Pete Townend, a doctoral student from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Archaeology, visited the site to conduct targeted surveys along with 3D-modelling.

Dr. Willmott said: “Our findings have demonstrated that this is a site of international importance, but its discovery and initial interpretation has only been possible through engaging with a responsible local metal detectorist who reported their finds to the Portable Antiquities Scheme”.