Key learning points

1. The graves of Anglo-Saxon women have provided various objects that provide clues about their lives and status.
2. One Anglo-Saxon woman's grave in Canterbury seems to be of a high status woman as it contained lots of fine jewellery.
3. A brooch of foreign silver and garnet, likely to be a gift from the Kentish king, shows women could hold high status.
4. Girdle-hangers have been found, imitating keys or latch-lifters, suggesting women controlled access to the home.
5. Alongside domestic goods in female graves, they seem to symbolise the idea that women controlled access to the home.

Keywords

• Grave goods - grave goods are objects buried in people's graves, providing insights into their culture and daily life

• Brooch - a brooch is a decorative pin used to fasten clothing together or as a fashion accessory

• Girdle - a girdle is a belt or sash worn around the waist, typically used to hold clothes in place or as a fashion accessory

• Symbolise - to symbolise means to represent or stand for something else, often conveying a deeper meaning or significance

• Domestic - something domestic is something related to the home, like household chores or items inside the house

Common misconception