Yeavering

Yeavering, also known as Gefrin, was an Anglo-Saxon settlement in what is now Northumberland, England. It served as one of the principal royal centers for the kingdom of Bernicia and later Northumbria during the 6th and 7th centuries.

The archaeological site reveals evidence of a large timber hall complex, including several great halls, a possible temple or ritual enclosure, and a unique structure thought to be an amphitheater or moot hill. These structures indicate a high degree of planning and organization, reflecting the power and authority of the Northumbrian kings.

Yeavering's importance declined after the conversion of King Edwin to Christianity in 627, when the royal court moved to Milfield. The site was eventually abandoned, and its timber structures decayed, leaving only archaeological remains.

The primary source of information about Yeavering comes from the archaeological excavations conducted by Brian Hope-Taylor between 1952 and 1962. His work revealed the layout of the settlement and provided insights into the architecture and social organization of the early Anglo-Saxon period.

The name "Yeavering" is believed to derive from Old English elements meaning "river place" or "place of goats." The earlier name, "Gefrin," mentioned by Bede, is of uncertain origin.

Yeavering is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected by law. The site offers valuable insights into the political, social, and religious life of early Anglo-Saxon England and continues to be a subject of ongoing research and interpretation. The Yeavering Bell hillfort, located nearby, predates the Anglo-Saxon settlement and adds another layer of historical significance to the area.