SHE has been fully unearthed, surrendered more of her worldly possessions, is thought to have been about 25 and has even been given a name: Eileen.

Archaeologists revealed more of their discoveries at the Anglo-Saxon grave in West Hanney discovered by an amateur metal detecting enthusiast.

Chris Bayston, 56, from Yorkshire, discovered a brooch studded with garnets and coral, and part of the woman’s skeleton in a find described as of national importance.

It is now believed the woman died in the early seventh century rather than the sixth — and two handmade ceramic pots, two iron knives and a spindle whorl used for spinning yarn have also been unearthed.

The skeleton was given the name Eileen (‘I lean’) because the search team was initially unable to locate her knee cap.

Anni Byard, Oxfordshire County Council’s finds liaison officer, said: “This is an incredibly exciting discovery. Now we’ve excavated the remains, it’s revealed so much.

“We believe that there could have been food in the pots she was buried with, possibly as offerings to take with her to the next life.

“What’s also very interesting is that only about 20 brooches of this kind have been discovered and this is the most western point at which one has been found.

“Lower status people would not have owned a brooch like this. It has shell from the Red Sea and gold from the continent.”

Mr Bayston made the find during a weekend metal detecting rally at the farm, which has not been named to protect the site. Digging down 13 inches, he found the brooch alongside a skull.

Mr Bayston, who has been metal detecting for 14 years, said: “Finding the brooch was one thing, but to see the whole skeleton revealed is just something else. Unfortunately, where the farmer has ploughed the field has meant a bit of the woman’s skull has been destroyed.

“We’ve been guarding the site since the discovery was made and we’ve all grown rather fond of Eileen.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it and I’m sure I’ll never find anything as big as this again.”

Human osteologist Paula Levick said the skeleton would be examined to try to discover the cause of the woman’s death.

Anni Byard said: “It’s great the find was made as the Staffordshire discovery came to light, as it should help raise interest.”