Discover Bucks Museum has launched a major new exhibition, exploring Buckinghamshire’s Saxon past 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 have been brought together to create an immersive, unforgettable exhibition of England’s early medieval history.
Step into the world of the Saxons and 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.
The Taplow artefacts on loan from the British Museum include the iconic gold and garnet belt buckle and bone gaming pieces showing the masterful craftsmanship of the period.
The exhibition will also showcase never-before-seen artefacts from the HS2 Wendover excavation, such as the magnificent window urn featuring Roman glass – possibly a family heirloom incorporated into the vessel.
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.”
Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said, “One of the key ambitions of the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund is to help museums tell compelling stories through exciting loans that have relevance to local heritage. As the programme celebrates its 10th round of funding in 2026, we are delighted to support the display of these fascinating objects in Buckinghamshire – so close to the site of their discovery.”
The SAXONS. Three lives. Three burial sites. Three extraordinary stories Exhibition runs from 28 March – 1 November 2026.
Tell Me More About Discover Bucks Museum
Discover Bucks Museum in the historic heart of Aylesbury, is a family friendly museum telling the story of the people and landscapes of Buckinghamshire, 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 AngloSaxon silver coins ever found. There is also the Roal Dahl Children’s Gallery within the museum.
Discover Bucks Museum, Church Street, Aylesbury HP20 2QP T: 01296 331441 E: hello@discoverbucksmuseum.org.
Opening Times
Discover Bucks Museum & Roald Dahl Children’s Gallery
Easter Holidays (28 March – 12 April) Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm
Sunday 12pm – 4pm
Ticket prices
Adults – Museum admission from £5.90 to £7.20
Including donation (not mandatory) from £6.50 to £8.00
Child (3-15 years old) £3.00
Family tickets are also available. Children under 3 are free.
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