Rare early grave markers discovered in Holy Island archaeological dig

Two rare early grave markers have been discovered within days of each other at an archaeological dig on Holy Island.

When ChronicleLive visited the tidal island off the Northumberland Coast on Thursday, there was a lot of excitement after the discovery of a "name stone" that very morning. The finds from Trench 9, a dig site in front of Lindsifarne Priory are believed to be Early Medieval (8th - 10th Century) sculptures thought to be unique to North East England, featuring a cross with a name inscribed in Latin or Runes.

Though the artefacts were uncovered with three skeletons, it is not yet known if the stone was related to the remains. It is the first time in two years that name stones has been uncovered on the island, following another Early Medieval grave marker featuring carvings of a cross, Celtic knotwork and Runic letters uncovered last week.

READ MORE:Mother stabbed in abdomen after thugs knocked on Blyth family home asking for a cigarette

READ MORE:Haggerston Castle holiday park fun turned to fear when clash between two families ended in violence

Nat Jackson, project officer with DigVentures, said although Thursday's find was broken, it was a stunning discovery nevertheless. He told ChronicleLive: "It seems to have been churned around and moved around a bit, but it's one of our nicest examples.

"It's been about two years since we've found one and we've found two this year. They're not common."

The stone had been spotted poking out of the soil by two volunteers, who spent around an hour uncovering it. After being exposed, DigVentures staff made a 3D model before taking it to their finds room to be cleaned up and studied further.

The name stone found earlier has already been in the "finds room" in Holy Island's Crossman Hall for several days. It has since been cleaned up, and an artist has made a sketch to show a clearer view of it, while a translation of the stone's Runic lettering is being worked on.

Elsewhere on the island, an Early Medieval charnel pit has been discovered by the Green Lane Car Park, with more skeletal remains uncovered.