The finds: Lyre
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The remains of the lyre
When discovered, the lyre, which is of Sutton Hoo type, was just a dark patch on the ground. Nevertheless the outline is complete - the first time we have ever seen this in Britain (even at Sutton Hoo only the top half survived).
The soil-block is currently being studied, prior to excavation, using X-ray and other techniques. Images already show a complicated structure, with metal fittings of a kind familiar from other lyre finds of the period – and also some unfamiliar ones – undisturbed in their original positions. Parts of the wooden frame may survive. Special techniques will reveal much new scientific evidence about the materials used in making and finishing it. Other finds from sites such as Sutton Hoo, Snape, Morning Thorpe, Bergh Apton and Deal allow us to predict that it would have had six strings, probably of gut, and a wrist-strap. It may have been buried in a bag or case.
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Reconstruction of the possible form of the lyre. Drawing by Graeme Lawson
Lyres were culturally very important to the Anglo-Saxons and their Continental neighbours. They provided the essential musical accompaniment to their heroic verse, and the man himself would have been able to strum it while retelling old stories to his people, like Danish king Hrothgar in the poem Beowulf. The lyre may also have symbolised his role as patron of poets and musicians. So the find will help us understand Old English poetry as well as music.
We are grateful to Dr Graeme Lawson for these comments; this web page will be up-dated as the investigation of the instrument proceeds and we learn more from him and other specialists in the field.
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