I want an Anglo-Saxon Funeral

Re-creating Anglo-Saxon cremation and burial traditions in the modern age

According to the archaeological evidence, Anglo-Saxons practised both burial and cremation. Broadly speaking, it appears that the Angles—those who settled more in the east of England—favoured cremation, while the Saxons tended towards burial. Yet the picture is far from simple: graves containing both cremated remains and full inhumations have been discovered within the same cemeteries, suggesting a culture comfortable with more than one route to the afterlife.

When cremation was chosen, the ashes were often placed in a simple earthenware urn, typically decorated with geometric markings or stylised images of serpents and dragons. These designs carried deep symbolic meaning. Swastikas were also common motifs—long before their 20th-century corruption. In Anglo-Saxon belief the symbol represented fire or lightning and was associated with the god Thunor, the equivalent of the Norse Thor and the Germanic Aesir.

Grave goods were a defining feature of Anglo-Saxon funerals. Scholars have long debated whether these items were intended to assist the deceased in the afterlife or simply reflected their identity in life. The discovery of new, unused objects—such as combs and jewellery—suggests the former. Typical goods included swords, amulets, belts, beads and tools, alongside more mysterious items whose purpose remains unknown to this day.

As for the location of burial grounds, there appears to have been no single rule. Bodies were usually buried clothed and, in most cases, facing east towards the dawn, implying an optimistic view of rebirth or renewal. Children and babies were sometimes placed in a foetal position, perhaps symbolising that they had left this world too soon and would be formed again by the gods.

Later Saxon communities began to return to Long Barrows as a form of interring the deceased, and we now see modern versions reappearing in the landscape – Long Barrows

A common misconception surrounds Sutton Hoo. Many assume the famous ship burial was Viking, yet it is firmly Anglo-Saxon, predating the Viking era by more than a century. The other ship burials in the region tell a similar story—ceremonies for local nobility, rich in symbolism and status. For those inspired by this heritage, a modern interpretation such as one of our Longboats could be a fitting tribute.

How close can I get to an Anglo-Saxon funeral today?

Surprisingly close—within reason.

If you choose cremation, ashes can certainly be placed in a traditionally styled urn and buried in a natural burial ground. Church of England and local authority cemeteries often have stricter rules, but many independent sites are open to personalisation, including the inclusion of modest grave goods. Because most natural burial grounds operate on a “return to nature” ethos, items would normally need to be biodegradable. Burying ashes in your own garden is rarely advisable due to future property complications.

For a full burial, orientation of the body to face east may be possible with the cooperation of the burial ground. Again, grave goods may be limited, but thoughtful symbolic items—wooden combs, simple jewellery, handwritten poems—are often acceptable.

The ceremonial details of Anglo-Saxon funerals are largely lost to time, so any modern service must be a creative re-imagining. Thankfully, we are blessed with fragments of their literature. One poem that works beautifully at a funeral is The Wanderer:

It contains the much-quoted line: Wyrd bið ful aræd – “Fate is wholly inexorable.”

Other surviving works include The Seafarer and The Wife’s Lament. These can be powerful, though they benefit from practice and perhaps a confident reader!

Anglo-Saxon views of the afterlife

Two traditions seem to run side by side. The first is a Christianised interpretation of pagan belief, described by the Venerable Bebe. He likened human life to:

The swift flight of a sparrow through the hall on a winter’s night… safe for a moment in the warmth, then vanishing again into the darkness from which it came.

This image was likely used to encourage conversion to Christianity, offering certainty beyond the fleeting present.

Yet the archaeological record—grave goods, burial orientation, and hints from Beowulf suggests a more heroic and hopeful pagan vision: a journey to join ancestors, feasts in great halls, and a continued identity beyond death.

Could an Anglo-Saxon funeral be right for you?

Modern funerals are increasingly about authenticity and heritage. An Anglo-Saxon-inspired ceremony offers:

• A connection to deep English history

• Rich symbolism of dawn, journey and renewal

• Poetry and music with real emotional weight

• The option of natural burial or cremation with meaningful grave goods

We are considering developing an Anglo-Saxon style funeral urn (tastefully designed and definitely minus the swastika). If this idea speaks to you, do tell us—your interest will help shape what we create next.

If you’d like help planning something along these lines, the Scattering Ashes team would be delighted to talk through ideas, venues and practicalities.