War Helms and Weapon Dancers

An in-person evening lecture with Kent Find’s Liaison Officer Dr Andrew Richardson

Maidstone Community Support Centre, 39 - 48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH

The Kent Archaeological Society is pleased to welcome Kent FLO & Anglo-Saxon specialist Dr Andrew Richardson to an evening lecture being held at Maidstone Community Support Centre, 39 - 48 Marsham Street, Maidstone, ME14 1HH on Thursday 27th August 2026 at 6pm - 8pm. Tea & Coffee will be provided.

Following the discovery of a rare 6th or 7th century artefact at Lynsted, experts are reconsidering what they thought they knew about metal working. The die stamp is an example of those used to make decorative metal foils for high-status military helmets. It is the only one of its kind yet found in Britain and most excitingly is very similar in size and design to panels on the famous Sutton Hoo helmet. Does this provide evidence for high-status helmets, including Sutton Hoo, being products of Kent workshops?

Join Kent Finds Liaison Officer (FLO) Dr. Andrew Richardson as he explains the important evidence that suggests that these helmets could have been made in the county of Kent, highlighting the skills and far-reaching connections of Early Medieval craft workers.  

The talk will also explore the identity and meaning of the horned ‘weapon dancer’ depicted on the die; is this the god Woden, from whom the kings of Kent claimed descent.

Tickets for this event will cost:

• £5 for KAS members

• £8 for non-members

  Guest tickets are available at the following prices:

• KAS member + Guest £12

• Non member + Guest £16