An “unusual” Anglo-Saxon burial has been uncovered after DNA tests proved two children laid to rest together were brother and sister.
The 1,500-year-old grave left archaeologists stunned when it revealed the remains of a young boy and girl buried side by side.
Experts later confirmed through DNA analysis that the pair were siblings – a rare find in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
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The bones were uncovered during Operation Nightingale in Cherington, as reported by Need To Know.
The boy had been buried with a sword, while the older sister was laid to rest with a workbox – hinting at their roles or status.
The remarkable discovery was made by Cotswold Archaeology.
DNA results confirming their link were revealed on 21 April.
In the grave, the girl had been carefully positioned facing the boy, which experts believe reflects a “close and caring” sibling bond.
The touching detail has sparked fresh insight into Anglo-Saxon life, with researchers suggesting the children were deliberately arranged to reflect their relationship.
A spokesperson for Cotswold Archaeology said: “Ancient DNA analysis has revealed that two children buried together in an Anglo-Saxon grave at Cherington, Gloucestershire, were brother and sister.
“Discovered during our excavations with Operation Nightingale, the burial is that of a young boy with a sword and an older girl with a workbox.
“The girl had been positioned facing the boy, seeming to reflect a close and caring relationship between the two children – preserving in death a family bond now confirmed through modern scientific analysis.
“Their positioning indicates that their burials were contemporary, which is unusual in an Anglo-Saxon cemetery context and makes it difficult not to imagine the Anglo-Saxon community, as they carefully arranged these children in their grave.”
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