Excavations at Fishergate have revealed a settlement where a number of crafts were practised. Items were produced in iron, copper and lead — and probably gold and silver. Manufacturing debris shows that bone and antler combs were being made on the site and it is likely that the pelts of beavers and pine marten were also prepared here. Tools for making goods in leather and wood have been recovered, and spindle whorls used for spinning wool, loom weights and weaving tools indicate the presence of textile production. It is likely that Anglian craftsmen were also recycling high-lead Roman glass on site and using it to produce beads.

Multi-coloured glass beads

A fragment of decorative 8th century metalwork