Archaeologists uncover long-lost home of 7th century princess in Scotland
Archaeologists say they've located the remains of the long-lost home of a 7th Century princess in the Borders.
A monastery was build near the village of Coldingham by Princess Æbbe nearly 1,400 years ago.
It was destroyed by Viking raiders in the 9th Century and previous attempts to find its location have failed.
However, excavations have discovered traces of a large, narrow ditch which they believe was the part of the religious settlement.
The team also uncovered animal bones nearby which radiocarbon dating has just confirmed came from between AD660 and AD860.
"The section of boundary ditch we found links up with two other ditch sections, and together they seem to encircle Coldingham Priory, meaning that the heart of Æbbe's monastery is somewhere underneath it," said Manda Forster from DigVentures.
"This is pretty much exactly when Æbbe's monastery was in existence.
"Originally built around AD640 it is said to have burned down shortly after her death, but was then rebuilt and thrived until it was destroyed once again by Viking raiders 200 years later," she added.
"It is brilliant to finally be able to announce that we've found Æbbe's monastery, and to confirm that part of it is probably underneath Coldingham Priory," said Ms Forster.
"Æbbe is an extraordinary figure - an example of a powerful Anglo Saxon woman who played a big part in establishing Christianity in the region during the 7th Century.
"Now that we've got evidence to pinpoint exactly where her monastery was, we can help bring her story back to life," she said.
