Left: Painted portrait of Edith Pretty (© British Museum); Right: Basil Brown (photo: Suffolk Archaeological Unit)
Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo, located in Suffolk, England, is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the United Kingdom.
It is best known for the discovery of an undisturbed ship burial, which is considered one of the most magnificent archaeological finds in England for its size, completeness, and wealth of Anglo-Saxon period artefacts. The site was discovered in 1939 when the landowner, Mrs. Edith Pretty, commissioned archaeologist Basil Brown to investigate a series of large mounds on her property. The most significant find was a 27-meter-long ship burial, believed to be the final resting place of an Anglo-Saxon king, possibly Rædwald of East Anglia. The ship was filled with a wealth of artifacts, including weapons, gold and garnet jewelry, silverware, and the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet, which has become a symbol of the Dark Ages in Britain.The Sutton Hoo finds have greatly contributed to our understanding of the early Anglo-Saxon period, a time about which historical records are sparse. The richness of the burial, with its high-quality craftsmanship and exotic materials, suggests a society of considerable sophistication and international connections. The artifacts also provide insights into the religious beliefs, social hierarchy, and artistic styles of the time.The site is now managed by the National Trust and includes a visitor center where many of the finds are on display. The original artifacts, including the Sutton Hoo helmet, are held by the British Museum in London.
What is the history of Sutton Hoo burial site?
The history of the Sutton Hoo burial site is closely tied to the early mediaeval period of England, specifically the Anglo-Saxon era. The site itself dates back to the 6th and early 7th centuries. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Discovery and Excavation
1939 Discovery: The site was brought to prominence when Mrs. Edith Pretty, the landowner, hired local archaeologist Basil Brown to excavate the largest of several mounds on her property.
Initial Excavation: Brown uncovered the imprint of a ship and a wealth of grave goods, indicating a burial of high status.
World War II Interruption: The outbreak of World War II led to a halt in the excavation, and the finds were taken for safekeeping.
Significance of the Findings
Royal Burial Hypothesis: The nature of the artefacts suggested that the burial might be that of a king. Rædwald, the King of East Anglia, who died around 625 AD, is often cited as a likely candidate, although this has never been confirmed.
Insight into Anglo-Saxon England: The grave goods, including weaponry, armour, silverware, and personal items, provided unprecedented insights into the wealth, craftsmanship, and culture of the period.
Post-Discovery Developments
Further Excavations: Additional excavations in the 20th and 21st centuries have revealed a complex of at least 20 burial mounds, including both ship and chamber burials, and a variety of artefacts.
Museum Exhibitions: The treasures from Sutton Hoo are primarily housed in the British Museum, with replicas and some original items on display at the site's visitor centre.
Cultural Impact: Sutton Hoo has influenced literature, film, and television, including being the subject of the Netflix film "The Dig," which dramatises the 1939 excavation.
Preservation and Legacy
National Trust: The site is now under the care of the National Trust, which provides educational resources and access to the public.
World Heritage Status: Sutton Hoo is part of the "Tentative List" of future UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognising its importance to global heritage.
The Sutton Hoo burial site has greatly enriched our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period in England, providing a window into the past during a time when written records were scarce. It remains one of the most important archaeological discoveries in British history.
A few of the artefacts
Sutton Hoo shoulder-clasps (Early Anglo-Saxon), late 6th–early 7th century, gold, millefiori, and garnet, 5.4 x 12.7 x .5 cm (The British Museum) (photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Belt Buckle, Sutton Hoo, early 7th century, gold, 13.2 x 5.6 cm © Trustees of the British Museum
Gold coins and ingots from the ship burial at Sutton Hoo, early 7th century, Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England © Trustees of the British Museum.
Purse lid from the Sutton Hoo ship burial, early 7th century, gold, garnet and millefiori, 19 x 8.3 cm (excluding hinges) (The British Museum) (photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
The Sutton Hoo helmet, early 7th century, iron and tinned copper alloy helmet, consisting of many pieces of iron, now built into a reconstruction, 31.8 x 21.5 cm (as restored) (The British Museum) (photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)
Replica of the helmet made by the Royal Armories (The British Museum) (photo: Steven Zucker, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)