Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo near Woodbridge in Suffolk, England, is an Anglo-Saxon royal burial site, one of Britain’s most important and atmospheric archaeological sites. With the Great British Heritage Pass you can discover this ancient English heritage attraction as part of your British sightseeing tour.

Sutton Hoo is the burial ground of the Anglo-Saxon kings of East Anglia.  The priceless Sutton Hoo treasure was discovered here in a huge ship grave in 1939.  It belonged to one of the earliest English Kings, Raedwald. 

Archaeological excavations at Sutton Hoo have occurred previously, firstly in the late 16th or early 17th centuries, where it is likely that most of the mounds on the site were robbed.  It was also dug in the 19th century by a group of antiquarians.

Excavations have been ongoing at Sutton Hoo since 1939, and it appears that there is another earlier cemetery about 500 meters north of the main mound cemetery. 

Sutton Hoo is of primary importance to early medieval historians because it sheds light on a period in English history that otherwise has little documented evidence remaining.  It is one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in England because of its age, size, far reaching connections, completeness, beauty, rarity and historical importance.

The story goes that Mrs. Edith Pretty, landowner of the Sutton Hoo site, had a vivid dream where she saw images of a funeral procession and of great treasures under what is known as Mound 1.  She enlisted the help of archaeologist Basil Brown to uncover what was underneath these mysterious mounds, and it was here that the famous treasure was uncovered.  Mrs. Pretty donated the treasures found to the nation, and you will find many of these treasures at the British Museum.

Items found at Sutton Hoo included a great gold buckle, a purse lid framed in gold with plaques in garnet and millefiori, chain mail, six spears of different types, an axe-hammer with an iron handle, a parade helmet, and domestic items such as a cauldron, amongst many other secret wonderful treasures.  

Come discover Sutton Hoo for yourself and marvel at the treasures found at the ancient burial site. Learn more in the award-winning Visitor Centre and step back in history, using your Great British Heritage Pass to get in, free.

Planning your visit to Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo estate walks are open to visitors daily all year round from 10.30 to 17:30 (except for certain Thursdays Nov–Feb.). Last admission 30mins before closing.