Early Medieval (410-1066)

Traditionally known as the 'the Dark Ages' we have little information about this period.

Frank Warriner tells us in the early 7th Century, the Angles settled in the lowland plains around Whicham, Millom, Bootle and Kirksanton leaving only their place names as evidence.

This was followed in the 10th Century, by Norse-Gaels (i.e. Vikings who mixed with Scottish, Irish and Gaels from the Isle of Man). Warriner says, these invaders mixed with local Cumbrians which is evidenced by some river names and sheep scoring numerals. He provides a list of place-names that originated from Old Norse including, for example, Birkby, Chapel Sucken, Haverigg, Lacra; and Old English (Anglo-Saxon): Bootle, Borwick Rails, and Millom.

Warriner goes on to suggest that by the time of the Norman Conquest there were probably churches at Waberthwaite, Bootle, Whicham as well as Millom. It is thought there was one at Millom for several reasons: not long after 1086, the church at Kirksanton was referred to as the daughter of Millom church; and the field behind the Old School is called Children's Field - it was thought this was because of its connection to the Victorian school built in 1858. However, the name was mentioned 100 years before the school was built: Cill-druim, in Gaelic, 'ridge of the chapel'.

Here is a photograph of what is thought to be part of an Anglo-Saxon cross, found during the restoration of Holy Trinity Church in 1929/30; it has been dated to the 10th Century. This clearly suggests something predated the 12th century Church, in which case it seems likely some form of dwelling house would also have existed during this period.

Part of 10th Century Cross

In an article entitled Manx patterns on sculpture of the Norse period at Stanwix and Millom, (1960), R. N. Bailey suggests that this pattern, along with other similar decorative patterns found in western Scotland, the lands around the Irish Sea and in parts of Yorkshire show cultural unity amongst and contact between the Norse communities in those parts during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Anglo-Saxon Artefacts

Another piece of red sandstone, with the word ANTEF carved on it, was also found in the north wall during the 1930 reconstruction; it has been placed inside the church, above the aumbry niche in the south wall of the sanctuary (on the right behind the altar).

ANTEF Stone

Originally it was believed this was Roman and had possibly been brought to Millom from the Roman site at Ravenglass. However, leading expert on Latin text and epigraphy, Roger Tomlin, has recently suggested it is not Roman. Dan Elsworth, the archaeologist who led the Community Dig in 2024, suggests it could be part of an early Christian post-Roman inscription, of a type more typically found in Wales and Scotland, but likely to also exist in Cumbria given the evidence for Christianity in this area from an early date.

There is a third possible stone artefact from this period, a stone head, which is held at the Beacon Museum. At one point this was believed to be Roman but is now thought to be Celtic. It was found in St. Georges church in Millom and was being used as a doorstop.

Stone Head from Millom, Photograph by C. Richardson

Other, more recent, Medieval artefacts, found by local metal detectorists not far from the Castle include, for example, a couple of Anglo-Saxon gaming pieces, as well as an Anglo-Saxon child's lead toy boat:

Anglo-Saxon Gaming Pieces, Josh Carr

Anglo-Saxon Gaming Piece, David Hartley

Anglo-Saxon Child's Lead Toy, David Hartley

Anglo-Saxon Child's Lead Toy, David Hartley