Saxon Bronze Workbox from King Harry Lane, Mid 7th century.

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

Saxon Bronze Workbox from King Harry Lane, Mid 7th century. This small bronze workbox comes from the earliest Anglo-Saxon site in the St Albans area. It is from the mid-7th to early-8th century cemetery beside King Harry Lane. Thirty-nine graves were found, probably representing a community of around 20 to 30 people. Two small decorated bronze boxes were found in women's burials. They were hung from chains or "chatelaines" made of bronze and iron links, worn attached to the waist. Other objects would also have been suspended from them. These boxes sometimes held herbs, seeds and plants, and sometimes sewing equipment, not always for practical use but to symbolise the owner's skill in healing or textile working. One of the King Harry Lane boxes also held coins, again thought to be kept for magical purposes.

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