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The gallery tells the story of life in East Anglia
after the Romans left and showcases the Castle's fine collection
of Anglo-Saxon & Viking material.
At the gallery's entrance, a recreation of an Anglo-Saxon
grave contains the skeleton of a 7th century woman. From here the
story begins with the migration period, when the Anglo-Saxons first
arrived and looks at their beliefs, the clothes they wore, weapons
and jewellery.
Interactive displays including a rune trail and
specially designed board games as well as a computer interactive,
animation and living history video help visitors trace the development
of early English society before, during and after the Viking invasions.
The Harford Farm treasure, a unique collection
of Anglo-Saxon jewellery forms the centrepiece of the gallery.
The hoard includes a stunning gold and silver brooch, inlaid with
cloisonné garnets and filigree interlace decoration. Worn
by wealthy Anglo-Saxon women 1300 years ago, very few of its type
have ever been found outside Kent, where it was made.
When the gallery opens in July 2004, there will
be 1,000 objects on show - the majority found locally.
In recognition of the significance of the new gallery
and the Castle's superb collection, the British Museum, Victoria
& Albert Museum and the National Museum of Denmark have also
loaned treasures.
The return
of the Vikings>>>
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