Video - Skeleton dating from the 5th century has been uncovered in a field near a Northamptonshire village
Metal detectorists Dave Derby and Alan Standish found the skeleton in a field near Nether Heyford after they picked up a signal from a shield boss that was buried with the body.
Archeologists have excavated the skeleton and analysis has revealed it is likely to be more than 1,500 years old. The site, known as Whitehall Farm, where the skeleton was found is near to where a Roman villa was located 15 years ago. Steve Young, an archeologist who led the excavation, said: “We believe it is 5th or 6th century as the burial seems to have followed pagan rituals. In those days men tended to be buried with a weapon of some sort. Other skeletons we have found in the area have been buried with swords.”