ANGLO-SAXON COPPER ALLOYS FROM LECHLADE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Summary. A range of copper-alloy artefacts from the early Anglo-Saxon cemetery at Lechlade were analysed using X-ray fluorescence. There were few pure bronzes or brasses in the assemblage and most alloys contained significant amounts of zinc, tin and lead in variable ratios. In view of the current theory that supplies of new metals and ores were limited and Anglo-Saxon metalworkers normally used scrap metal, the compositions were used to assess the techniques of the craftsmen supplying this community. It is concluded that re-use of copper alloys was prevalent but that metals were selected quite carefully for particular applications, with regard to the metallurgical characteristics required.