A metal detectorist's unexpected find in a field in Leeds has unearthed an ancient Christian artifact believed to date back more than 1,200 years.

According to Fox News, the City of Leeds announced on May 12, 2025, that a gilded Anglo-Saxon pendant—likely from the 8th century—had been discovered in 2024 and sheds new light on high-ranking Christian life during the Saxon period.

The pendant, described by experts as a pectoral cross, was found in a local field by an unnamed detectorist last year. The find was reported and studied before the City of Leeds shared news of the discovery with the public this May.

Ancient Pendant Connected to the Northumbrian Kingdom

This cross dates to a time when Leeds was part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, an area that began transitioning from paganism to Christianity during the 7th century A.D. The artifact itself, believed to originate in the 8th century, reinforces the significance of Christianity’s influence in the region during that era.

According to historian Kat Baxter, the design of the object indicates that it may have served as a visible symbol of religious authority. "It would certainly have been worn by someone of high status and is an outward display of religious identity," she said.

Fashioned from solid silver and covered with a thin layer of gold leaf, the cross was likely owned by a person of notable ecclesiastical rank. Baxter added that it may have belonged to an important church leader and been used as a mark of office.

Wearable Cross Combines Function and Symbolism

The pendant is damaged, with one of its arms broken and the central stone that it once held missing. Even so, the city described the item as “a stunning example of metalwork” due to its intricate craftsmanship and historical value.

Baxter highlighted the detailed interlacing patterns engraved on both sides of the object. These design elements, along with the existence of a suspension loop on the damaged arm, support the theory that the cross was intended to be worn around the neck.

“The cross is beautifully decorated on both sides, which suggests it was designed to hang around the neck with the suspension loop on the missing arm,” Baxter said. This functional design points to a tradition of visible, wearable Christian symbols among high-status individuals of the time.

Helping Historians Reconstruct Saxon Life

Experts regard the artifact as a critical piece in better understanding the Saxon people who once inhabited the Leeds region. Due to the materials used and their exclusive function, objects like this rare pendant may identify the elite class of early medieval society.

“Along with several other discoveries in the area, it helps us build a picture of the types of people who would have lived here during this time,” Baxter noted. She reminded the public that less affluent groups left behind fewer durable objects, making finds like this particularly important in historical reconstruction.

Leeds City Council member Salma Arif expressed pride in the find, calling it “a beautiful example of the history all around us.” She explained that adding such objects to local collections helps preserve and share the city’s cultural heritage.

Joins a Growing List of Noteworthy Local Finds

This Saxon cross follows a series of remarkable archaeological discoveries in Leeds in recent years. In 2023, the remains of a high-status Ancient Roman woman were uncovered in the area, further hinting at the city’s rich historical landscape.

Additionally, over 600 bottles from the 19th century were found clustered beneath a staircase, offering insight into Victorian life. These findings, along with the recently unearthed cross, suggest a continuity of human activity and shifting societal norms throughout Leeds' long timeline.

Baxter reflected on the cumulative historical picture emerging from these finds: “All of these finds are part of a puzzle, which together show that Leeds was home to high-status, important individuals during the Saxon period, and this beautiful cross is the latest glimpse into the past.”

Preservation Efforts and Public Engagement

The council emphasized the role of public engagement and funding in facilitating archaeological work and conservation efforts. Arif credited both funders and local interest for making it possible to preserve artifacts like the newly found cross.

“It’s always wonderful when we can add important objects like this to our collections, and we’re very grateful for the continued support of funders and visitors in helping us to preserve our local heritage,” Arif said.

The cross is expected to undergo further analysis and eventual display in a local museum, where it will help educate visitors about the early medieval Christian experience in Yorkshire and beyond.