Excavations in the Low Field at Harnham Hill with Salisbury and Old Sarum in the background, c. 1853-54 Artist unknown Watercolour on paper 22.8 x 30.3 (cm) Society of Antiquaries of London

The chance find of some ancient weapons at Harnham Hill led to the discovery of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery. The Society's resident Secretary John Yonge Akerman (1806-1873) directed the excavations in 1853-4 which unearthed 65 skeletons. The discoveries were significant, but particularly notable was the careful recording of human remains.