Saxon Heritage at Sutton Hoo

Woodbridge, Suffolk

See one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time at Sutton Hoo.

In the late 1930s, landowner Edith May Pretty enlisted the help of a Suffolk archaeologist to dig into an ancient mound near Woodbridge. What he found went beyond their wildest dreams:  a ‘Hoo’ - a Saxon burial site filled with weapons, masks and gold coins, all housed in a 90-foot-long ship that had been buried along with its passenger.

Today the Sutton Hoo visitor centre tells two fantastic stories: that of the ancient Saxon burial itself, and the subsequent cloak-and-dagger discovery. This incredible find shines a light on how people lived in the 6th century, a medieval period that has drifted between myth, legend and fact. Today the Sutton Hoo visitor centre tells two fascinating stories: that of the ancient Saxon burial itself, and the amazing discovery, while the priceless treasures unearthed, including an ornate burial mask and jewel-encrusted brooches are on display at the British Museum in London. However, there's one piece of this Saxon puzzle that remains unsolved; the identity of the  extremely wealthly 6th century king.

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Sutton Hoo ©National Trust Images/Ian ShawSutton Hoo ©National Trust Images/Ian Shaw
Sutton Hoo ©National Trust Images/Ian ShawSutton Hoo ©National Trust Images/Ian Shaw
Sutton Hoo ©National Trust Images/Ian ShawSutton Hoo ©National Trust Images/Ian Shaw

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