IN a third summer of excavations at Barrow Clump on Salisbury Plain, Operation Nightingale, the 1 RIFLES wounded soldiers archaeology project, has recorded more significant finds.
They have been working in tandem with the Defence Archaeology Group with Richard Osgood, senior historic advisor with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, guiding the excavations.
An Early Bronze Age collared cremation burial urn was found at the site followed by a wonderfully-preserved Saxon sword.
The sword probably had a horn pommel and a wood and leather scabbard - although the wood had mineralised. The cross guard and side pieces are bronze and glass beads for the belt attachment were also found.
Barrow Clump has been a site of human activity for 5,000 years.
Although Barrow Clump is protected by its designation as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, Operation Nightingale was given special permission to excavate and record the barrow due to the extensive damage being caused by badgers.