Early Germanic brooch, long cross

European Museums, The British Museum

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A long cross brooch, an early Germanic brooch

Early Germanic brooches

These brooches may have been worn by some of the earliest Germanic settlers in England. The supporting-arm brooch (with one broad end) is similar to examples found in Germany but differs slightly in shape, so may have been made in England. The gilded equal-arm brooch with protruding animal heads was probably imported from the Continent. The long cruciform brooch (with cross-shaped head) became popular across north Germany, Scandinavia and England until the late A.D. 500s.

A.D. 400s, Muchking, Essex, donated by the Trustees of the Estate of

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A long cross brooch, an early Germanic brooch

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Source:  London, United Kingdom