During the early Anglo-Saxon period, West Stow was the site of a small village made up of timber buildings. Archaeological excavation of the site unearthed evidence for a variety of different constructions and areas at West Stow: 69
sunken-featured buildings (SFBs), alongside 7 post-hole buildings interpreted as halls, traces of several lesser structures, a reserve area for clay, 2 large hollows or animal pens, pits, various unassociated post holes and several 7th century boundary ditches. The Anglo-Saxon village showed no signs of the development of property boundaries until the last phase of occupation. The incomplete Hall 3, on the same axis as Halls 1 and 2, was akin in shape and size to the former, but much of its south side had been obliterated by the subsequent construction of other buildings on that site. Fifteen items were found in the interior of the Hall, including three bronze Roman objects; a coin from the era of Emperor
Constantine I, a ligula and a dolphin brooch, as well as fragments of glass, a spindlewhorl, and a series of iron objects. Hall 6 was at the far western end of the hill, along as the same east-to-west axis as Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4. At least long and wide, the structure was apparently relatively weak in design, and within it was discovered a Roman bronze spoon, and two iron objects, one of which was possibly a small chisel. Hall 7 contained a dark layer of material at the occupation layer, with finds including a variety of stones, bones and sherds, along with much burnt daub, unburnt clay mixed with chalk and a broken Anglo-Saxon pot. It has been interpreted as being 37 ft 6in in length and 25 ft 9in in diameter, making it the largest of the halls at West Stow. It was subject to various possible interpretations, although represented the most sophisticated building at West Stow, involving a more advanced technique than that shown for many of the other constructions. Artefacts found at the site included a number of Roman bronze coins, and a variety of bronze, iron, glass and bone artefacts.
Other features A number of post-built structures were uncovered at the West Stow Anglo-Saxon settlement which were too small to be interpreted as Halls. These postholes tended to be clustered together, suggesting the possibility that they may have been used to repair small structures. No evidence of fencing was found on any of these structures, which were labelled Buildings 8 through to 14 by the excavators. At the site, four large areas of grey, disturbed soil were uncovered, three of which were in the eastern side of the settlement. Stratigraphically dated to the Anglo-Saxon period, they all contained a number of small potsherds, with Hollows 1 and 4 also containing a number of bronze and iron objects. The purpose of these Hollows is unknown, although chief excavator Stanley West speculated that they may have represented animal pens which were once surrounded by a form of hurdling or light fencing, traces of which have not survived. 79 pits at the site were also dated to the Anglo-Saxon period, with a further 20 possibles also being identified. This latter group included 12 pits forming a separate group, each of which was rectangular in shape, vertically sided, flat bottomed, and containing a buff sand filling. Their purposes remain unknown. In the final phase of settlement at the site, it is evident that several ditches were dug, often containing fragments of
Ipswich ware and other artefacts. Those ditches dug on the village's western sector appeared to have been used to define certain areas of the settlement, while those on the eastern side serve no apparent functional purpose.
Artefacts Roman Objects These objects were found in Anglo Saxon context but relate to Romano-British occupation
Bracelets and Finger Rings Bracelets and Rings are not common in Anglo-Saxon graves, many of those found at West Stow are of Romano-British origin including ones made of twisted wire, jet, flat decorated bands, and narrow bands with serrated edges. Of the rings, four were clearly of Roman origin, one made of bronze and three of glass.
Brooches Three brooches and one brooches spring of Roman origin were found consistent with the late iron age settlement, or early activity phases. Eleven others were recovered from Roman features.
Spoons Nine fragmentary, bronze spoons were found. Five are of the 'rat-tailed' type, three of which have faceted ornament.
Pins Pins with small, knobbed heads were found, suspected to be left over from earlier Roman occupation. A pin with a triangular, grooved head was found, also likely Roman.
Toilet articles Three bronze scoops and one 'unguent' spoon were found, all in different layers/contexts.
Misc. A bronze balance beam, a miniature axe- paralleled by similar finds on the continent- and a 5th century iron stylus.
Anglo-Saxon objects Brooches Six brooches are found in the settlement material. One iron upturned-foot brooch, one cruciform, a knob from a cruciform, and three small, long brooches.
Bracelets and Finger Rings A bronze, wire bracelet with a slip knot was found in grave 1 with no other grave goods. Spiral rings dating from late 5th to late 6th century. Two silver rings, a slip knot and a simple overlapping band, both dating to late 5th century. Various fragments, and a small lead ring with a wound knot.
Dress Articles Three wrist clasps, two of bronze, one of iron. Five belt ends, one early 5th century. Dress pins of silver, bronze, iron, and bone, mostly dating to the late phase of the settlement. Eight pairs of tweezers from the settlement, seven more from the cemetery. A fragment of rolled bronze which may be the furrule of a small cosmetic brush. A 'D' shaped strap-separator threaded with two iron loops, potentially for a small knife. Other small iron suspension loops have been found. A decorated fragment of silver-gilt, which may be part of a belt slide. A 'shield pendant' of silver, dated to the late 6th or early 7th century. A bronze fastener.
Iron implements Sixty-six knives were found, many broken or very worn. All were small, the longest had 11cm blade, and narrow. Many had traces of a wooden handle but only one was riveted. Four iron arrowheads. One small iron spear, suggested to be 5th century. Three small iron reaping hooks, one pair of sheers. No large tool survive, presumable the metal were melted down and reworked. One iron awl, which may be related to miscellaneous 'spikes' found onsite, which otherwise may be related to wool combs. Distribution of iron nails which suggest internal fittings or furniture. Some kind of turning device, potentially a pole-lathe. An iron tripod bowl.
Bone working and Bone Objects Fragments of bone and antler with saw marks are common and suggest craftsmanship. This includes dress pins, bone combs, and spindle-whorls.
Pin-Beaters Ten, complete, double-ended points, commonly known as pin-beaters, used in weaving and highly polished from use. All are rounded in section, some points are flattened, they range in length from 8.7cm to 14.5cm.
Needles Thirty-seven triangular-headed bone needles, usually made of fibula of pig, and two more ornate ones.
Pierced Bones The function of the pierced bones is unknown. All are from sheep: five are metacarpals, three pierced centrally, two at distal end; six are metatarsals, five pierced distally and only one central; one is an incomplete tibia, pierced at the distal end. Holes are irregular and likely made with a pointed knife. They range from early 5th century to late sixth century.
Pottery Stamps Five stamps, made from antler tines, indicate pottery making on site, supported by the 'clay reserve'. Three are short stubs with the stamp carved into the sawn off end, one is longer, and the last is from the main beam of a roe deer antler, with the stamp carved into the stub.
Other Bone Keys Boars' tusk amulet
Combs A well preserved group of 106 combs or comb fragments made from bone or antler, and one comb case, made from bone, were recovered. Of these, fifty-five were double sided and fifty-one single sided.
Querns Thirteen contexts contained fragments of niedermendig lava querns and four contexts had fragments of pudding stone querns. no complex lava querns were found.
Environmental evidence ==Modern history==