Ansate brooch

Also called a caterpillar brooch.

A Middle Saxon brooch. Viewed from the side these brooches have a flat top and sloping sides forming a 'hump' in the middle. This hump gives these brooches the alternative name 'caterpillar' brooch. They usually date from the 8th to the 9th century AD.

Middle Saxon ansate brooch.

A Middle Saxon ansate brooch found in Colkirk. (© NCC)

 Drawing of a Middle Saxon ansate brooch from Burnham Market.

 A Middle Saxon ansate brooch from Burnham Market. (© NCC)