Sutton Hoo 10 June 2015

On a Hill just outside of Woodbridge in East Anglia is a burial site which could possibly have belonged to the Anglo-Saxon King Raedwald.  The site was only excavated just before the 2nd World War on the instigation of the owner, Mrs Pretty. When they discovered what an incredible site it was, the British Museum authorities took over.  It had apparently been known about and looted by Kings and robbers going back over the centuries, not least Henry the VIII apparently in need of funds. That is heresay - my client who lives close by told me that story and it certainly adds some interest.

When they dug into one of the mounds they discovered the richest grave ever found in Northern Europe - the remains of a ship and an incredible mask, sword, shield and belt buckle amongst other things. The artifacts here are just copies, the originals are in the British Museum. There is another dig close by which isn't open to the public but there are still burial mounds all over the place - the circles in the picture above. It's a quite an eerie place - quiet and windswept - a place to let your imagination run riot.

Also, grazing on the site are some really strange looking sheep. I think they might have just been shorn which is probably why they look so odd.

And the replica of the hull of a boat.

The end of the tour takes you through the house which belonged to Mrs Pretty called Tranmer House high on a hill overlooking the Deben river and Woodbridge.

It's a homely place despite it's size and visitors are encouraged to sit on chairs and get into the vibe of the house - isn't that unusual?