Ad Gefrin

Between Kirknewton and Yeavering in Northumberland are the extensive remains of the Anglo-Saxon royal township of Ad Gefrin. It was a large settlement covering an area of 12.7 hectars, which can be seen today from aerial photographs.The site has been investigated during archaeological digs. The remains of many timber buildings have been identified, including a 'Great Hall', a temple, grubenhaus, a cemetery, and an early church. The Anglo-Saxon township is thought to have been established in the 6th century AD. It was destroyed by fire in AD 632 in the reign of Edwin and the site was abandoned by AD 685, when the settlement was re-established at nearby Maelmin.[1] The site was occuplied even before Anglo-Saxon times. A pit containing pottery from the later Neolithic period was found and a ring ditch from the Early Bronze Age. Later Iron Age burriel sites were also identified.