NEW Exhibition. The Saxons: Three Lives. Three Burial Sites. Three extraordinary stories.

My daughter loves museums and art galleries. She could literally spend all day in them while if I am honest I am happiest in the cafe and the gift shop. But I was so engaged by The Saxons, the new exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum in Aylesbury, England  that I'm keen to encourage everyone to go and see it.

This major new exhibition, exploring Buckinghamshire’s Saxon past is called ‘The SAXONS: Three lives. Three burial sites. Three extraordinary stories.’ 

For the first time ever, extraordinary finds from the British Museum, HS2 archaeology and Discover Bucks’ own collections will be brought together to create an immersive, unforgettable exhibition of our early medieval history. 

Step into the World of the Saxons 

Using modern technology and dioramas which help bring ancient artefacts to life visitors can uncover the stories behind three remarkable burial sites that reveal how Saxons lived, fought, and celebrated over 1,300 years ago: 

• The Princely Burial at Taplow — an elite high-status grave filled with exquisite treasures. 
• The Warlord of Marlow — a rare military burial shedding light on power and warfare in the Thames Valley. 
• The Wendover Saxon Cemetery – 122 graves uncovered by HS2, with remarkable artefacts from these burials on public display for the first time. 

Now I'm aware that HS2 is a divisive project, especially in this area, but I'm told they have been very cooperative, and generous in helping to bring this exhibition to life. HS2’s Community & Environment Fund has supported the display and conservation of the objects from this site with a significant grant. The exhibition showcases never-before-seen artefacts from the HS2 Wendover excavation, such as the magnificent window urn featuring Roman glass which experts believe is possibly a family heirloom incorporated into the vessel. 

I think it's amazing to think about all the hidden treasures underground, many of which may never see the light of day, which makes the opportunity to see these artefacts all the more special.

Entering the exhibition you’ll be welcomed by three Saxons, created in collaboration with re-enactment experts Wulfheodenas. They’ll guide you through each site, helping you bring to life the sights, sounds, and stories of Saxon Buckinghamshire. 

The Taplow artefacts on loan from the British Museum include an iconic gold and garnet belt buckle and bone gaming pieces showing the masterful craftsmanship of the period. 

These loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections. 

Sam Mason, CEO of Discover Bucks Museum said, "It is incredibly exciting to be putting on this Saxon experience - and on a larger scale than we have ever done so before. Working with such influential partners and having had funding support from the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund, HS2’s Community and Environment Fund and our very own Friends and Patrons organisations, means that we will be able to send visitors back in time, to give a flavour of what life might have been like in 7th & 8th century Buckinghamshire.” 

Charlotte Self, Archives Manager at Access+, the consortium appointed by HS2 to deliver the post-excavation programme for archaeological findings during construction of HS2 Phase One said, "Access+ are delighted to be able to share these remarkable items with the public for the very first time. Their display at The SAXON exhibition at Discover Bucks Museum is a rare opportunity to experience pieces of history that have never been exhibited before." 

I loved that you could see the rescued artefacts then via the dioramas, see how they would have looked, entire and new. 

If you are a label reader there's a wealth of fascinating information around the exhibition which you can read while the children dress up or explore the excellent interactive activity area. There's even a replica Saxon-style lyre you can have a go at playing.

It's not an enormous exhibition but I think it would appeal to all ages so would make a perfect family outing, especially if you take in the rest of Discover Bucks Museum, located in the historic heart of Aylesbury. 

It's a really family friendly museum telling the story of the people and landscapes of Buckinghamshire (including Roald Dahl) from 200 million years ago to today. The main galleries showcase the best of Bucks heritage: archaeology, social history, natural history, geology, art, costumes and photographs. They also house the famous Lenborough Hoard, one of the largest hoards of Anglo-Saxon silver coins ever found. 

There's a cafe too and a beautiful walled garden and of course - a gift shop!

Disclaimer: I attended a press preview event for the purpose of writing this honest review.