In 2023, we found a very small lead sheet with five Anglo-Saxon runes scratched into it. Runes such as these were in use in the 8th to 10th centuries.
We have now received an interim report from Prof. John Hines, the country’s leading expert on runes. His comprehensive report can be found at the link below.
In summary, Prof. Hines believes that the runes read gabot, translated as “Go, remedy”. As such, it is probable that the sheet and runes formed a healing charm.
This would be entirely in keeping with our growing picture of the abbey as a place of healing. The sheet has nail holes so it was clearly attached to something at one time.