Ancient DNA Reveals West African Ancestry in Medieval England

Skeltoons from the burials studies at Updown and Worth Matravers cemetries.

August

/ 2025

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A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has rewritten our understanding of early medieval England, revealing that two individuals buried in seventh-century cemeteries had recent West African ancestors. The stunning revelation, published in two articles in the journal Antiquity, represents the first genetic evidence connecting Britain and sub-Saharan Africa during the Early Middle Ages, challenging long-held assumptions about the demographic composition of Anglo-Saxon England.

Researchers from multiple universities performed ancient DNA analysis on skeletal remains from two seventh-century cemeteries on England's south coast: Updown in Kent and Worth Matravers in Dorset. Their analysis uncovered that one individual at each cemetery possessed genetic markers indicating a recent ancestor, likely at the grandparent level, from West Africa.

The discovery adds an extraordinary new dimension to our understanding of early medieval Britain, suggesting a far more cosmopolitan population than previously imagined. While historical accounts describe the well-documented settlement of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes who gave their names to the Anglo-Saxon period, the extent of migration from regions beyond northern Europe remained largely unknown.

Human skeletal remains in a double burial at the Worth Matravers cemetery, along with the anchor stone found underneath the older individual’s head. (Lilian Ladle, modified by Ceiridwen J. Edwards/Antiquity Publications Ltd)

Genetic Evidence from Two Distant Locations

The two research papers, both published in Antiquity, focused on burials from two strategically significant locations that highlight the far-reaching connections of early medieval England. The Updown cemetery in Kent study was positioned near the royal center of Finglesham, indicating connections to powerful continental networks, while Worth Matravers in Dorset sat on the periphery of Anglo-Saxon influence.

"Kent has always been a conduit for influence from the adjacent continent and this was particularly marked in the sixth century – what might be termed Kent's 'Frankish Phase'," explains Professor Duncan Sayer from the University of Lancashire, lead author of the Updown study. "Updown is also located near to the royal center of Finglesham, indicating that these connections were part of a wider royal network."

In contrast, Dr. Ceiridwen J. Edwards from the University of Huddersfield, who led the Worth Matravers research, notes that:

"Dorset sat on the fringes of continental influence. The archaeological evidence suggests a marked and notable cultural divide between Dorset and areas to the west, and the Anglo-Saxon influenced areas to the east."

Excavation at the post-Roman cemetery at Worth Matravers cemetery. (Lilian Ladle/Antiquity Publications Ltd)

Revolutionary DNA Analysis Techniques

The breakthrough came through sophisticated genetic analysis that examined both mitochondrial DNA (inherited from the mother) and autosomal DNA (inherited from both parents). While both individuals showed northern European mitochondrial DNA, their autosomal analysis revealed clear signatures of non-European ancestry with strong affinity to present-day Yoruba, Mende, Mandenka, and Esan groups from sub-Saharan West Africa.

The genetic patterns suggest that each individual had one paternal grandparent from West Africa, indicating recent mixed ancestry rather than ancient population mixing. This finding is particularly significant because it demonstrates actual human movement and intermarriage, not merely the exchange of goods or cultural ideas.

The Updown burial contained several intriguing grave goods that hint at the individual's diverse connections. Among them was a pot possibly imported from Frankish Gaul and a spoon that could indicate Christian faith or connections to the Byzantine Empire. These artifacts, combined with the genetic evidence, paint a picture of far-reaching international networks during the early medieval period.

Human skeletal remains in a grave at the Updown cemetery, along with a plan indicating the positioning of grave goods. (Sayer et al./ Antiquity Publications Ltd)

Social Integration and Cultural Acceptance

What makes this discovery even more remarkable is the evidence for social integration. Both individuals were buried as typical members of their communities, suggesting they were fully accepted and valued locally. The Worth Matravers individual was interred in a double burial alongside a male with British ancestry, accompanied by an anchor stone made of local limestone - clear indicators of community belonging.

"What is fascinating about these two individuals is that this international connection is found in both the east and west of Britain," states Professor Sayer. "Updown is right in the center of the early Anglo-Saxon cultural zone and Worth Matravers, by contrast, is just outside its periphery in the sub-Roman west."

The research challenges traditional narratives about early medieval demographics and demonstrates that migration patterns were far more complex than previously understood. Rather than simple waves of Germanic settlement, the evidence points to a nuanced story of international connections and cultural exchange.

Lilian Ladle, FSA, MBE, director of excavations at Worth Matravers, emphasizes the significance:

"Rarely does a volunteer-led project have the good fortune to be associated with a study incorporating the latest cutting-edge analysis of aDNA. This study has greatly enhanced our interpretation of the archaeological results by revealing not only fascinating family dynamics, but also exciting long-distance links between groups and individuals."

Rewriting Medieval History

The implications of this discovery extend far beyond individual burials. The findings provide the first direct genetic evidence for connections between Britain and sub-Saharan Africa during the Early Middle Ages, fundamentally challenging assumptions about medieval European demographics and mobility.

"It is significant that it is human DNA—and therefore the movement of people, and not just objects—that is now starting to reveal the nature of long-distance interaction to the continent, Byzantium and sub-Saharan Africa," Professor Sayer explains. The research demonstrates that early medieval England was far more internationally connected than traditionally believed.

Dr. Edwards concludes:

"Our joint results emphasize the cosmopolitan nature of England in the early medieval period, pointing to a diverse population with far-flung connections who were, nonetheless, fully integrated into the fabric of daily life."

This research represents a significant advancement in archaeogenetic studies and provides new methodologies for understanding ancient population movements. As DNA analysis techniques continue to improve, they offer unprecedented insights into the complex demographic history of medieval Europe, revealing stories that written records never captured.

The discovery opens new avenues for research into early medieval migration patterns and challenges scholars to reconsider the interconnectedness of the ancient world. It demonstrates that even in an age before modern transportation and communication, human networks spanned continents and cultures in ways that continue to surprise and enlighten modern researchers.

Top image: Human skeletal remains in a grave at the Updown cemetery, along with a plan indicating the positioning of grave goods. Source: Sayer et al./ Antiquity Publications Ltd

By Gary Manners