Sutton Hoo

Site Overview

View one of England's most magnificent archaeological finds

This hauntingly beautiful 255-acre estate, with far-reaching views over the river Deben, is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.

Walk around the ancient burial mounds and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. Explore the full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber, stunning replica treasures and original finds from one of the mounds, including a prince's sword.

Sutton Hoo is the site of two 6th- and early 7th-century cemeteries. One cemetery contained an undisturbed ship burial, including a wealth of Anglo-Saxon artefacts of outstanding art-historical and archaeological significance, most of which are now in the British Museum in London. The site is in the care of the National Trust.

Sutton Hoo is of great importance to early medieval historians because it provides insight on a period of English history that balances between myth, legend, and historical documentation. The site has been vital in understanding the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of East Anglia and the entire early Anglo-Saxon period.

Because of work at the site, we know that Sutton Hoo stopped being used at a time when Rædwald, the ruler of the East Angles, held senior power among the English people and played a dynamic if ambiguous part in the establishment of Christian rulership in England. It is generally thought most likely that he is the person buried in the ship.

The ship burial, probably dating from the early 7th century and excavated in 1939, is one of the most magnificent archaeological finds in England for its size and completeness, far-reaching connections, the quality and beauty of its contents, and the profound interest of the burial ritual itself.

Key Attractions
  • Religion and Belief
  • Ships
  • Artefacts
Contact Details
Address

Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DJ

Telephone
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