The discovery of Sutton Hoo's Anglo-Saxon ship burial - one of the National Trust's most renowned archaeological sites - is almost as remarkable as the finds found within.
In 1939, just before the outbreak of the Second World War, Mrs Edith May Pretty thought she saw strange figures on the grass mounds near her house. She decided to have them excavated, employing archaeologist Basil Brown (see right). He soon uncovered the graves of a wealthy Anglo-Saxon person, and what appeared to be the outline of a 27 foot long boat.
As the distractions of war loomed, the burial's remains were covered with bracken and soil. Bren-gun carriers were driven on to the site, whilst the treasure was stored safely in the London Underground system.
Interestingly Basil Brown had not been the first to search Sutton Hoo for ancient finds. The site showed signs of having been disturbed in the 16th century, grave-diggers seem to have dug down and lit a fire just inches from the burial chamber. Miraculously, they appear to have stopped and left hurriedly before discovering anything as their pit began to subside.
- Visit the Sutton Hoo website to find out exactly what and who was unearthed at this fascinating archaeological site. As well as more information on the burial reconstruction work, visitor centre and schools learning projects that the National Trust run today.
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