THE REMAINS of a Saxon King found in Southend many years ago, are now in secret storage.

In 2003, archaeologists from the Museum of London archaeology service discovered numerous artefacts of what it's assumed, belonged to a King.

These artefacts were found in the burial chamber of the Saxon King, virtually in tact, in Priory Crescent, Prittlewell.

The King, who has been nicknamed the Prittlewell Prince, was found inside this chamber tomb, alongside artefacts including ornate gold-rimmed drinking horns, coins, crucifixes and weapons in the grave. In addition to this, a gold belt buckle was also found, that was most popular in England between 600 and 640AD.

The Saxon King treasures have become a significant part of local history, all being found in the original positions they were arranged on the day of the King's funeral.

Campaign group, Saxon King in Priory Park (SKIPP), formed in 2008, concerned about the remains of the treasure. They have proposed the construction of a Saxon hall style museum on the Priory Park brownfield site, which is currently occupied by the Council's works depot. They were hoping to provide a museum which allows visitors to go back in time, providing an educational experience for all. It would include a replica of the burial chamber and small villages around this, to show how they Saxon's lived- how they would dress, eat etc.

In response to this proposal, Southend council have stated: "The Council has a duty to retain Priory Park as a park for public enjoyment. Siting what would effectively be an open-air museum in this location would substantially change the park’s recreational use and would require considerable green space to be taken up to accommodate parking."

SKIPP were against Southend Council's plan to build a museum into the side of the cliff slip in Western Esplanade, Westcliff, for the remains. The council planned for this to be surrounded by a landscaped park, containing sculptures. However, the plans for this were changed, so the build didn't take place.

At this present moment, the artefacts are currently being held in secret storage due to their high value.

Councillor James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, is enthusiastic about the future for the artefacts, proposing it could potentially be placed on Southend High Street.

The council have a long term plan to place them in a museum, although there is no specific plan of where this will be. James said: "The proposed site on the cliffs has been around for a while now, but times have changed and so have the town’s priorities. Personally, I would like to see the museum form part of the regeneration our High Street, which is going to have to become a lot more mixed-use in future, rather than being so strongly dominated by retail, which is increasingly becoming an online sector.

"We need to be realistic about our current situation and consider the best options for drawing in residents and visitors to parts of the town that are important to local people and to the economy.

"We now need to review our options and come up with a solution that is right for the town, ensuring it's economy and is financially sustainable."