Archaeological collections are displayed at a number of National Trust properties, together with a range of archaeological sites spanning the prehistoric, Roman, medieval and later periods.

Properties with archaeological artefacts

Sutton Hoo, the burial ground of the Anglo-Saxon pagan kings of East Anglia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country.

In 1939, excavations revealed an immense treasure contained within a royal ship burial. Since then this treasure has been displayed at the British Museum, London.

Access to the site has only been possible in recent years. An exhibition of both replicas and original items from the excavations is on display in the visitor centre.

Other principal holdings of archaeological artefacts include the Alexander Keiller Collection at Avebury, on the site of the great prehistoric henge monument in Wiltshire.

On Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland there is the Housesteads Fort collection (which is administered by English Heritage), and at Chedworth Roman Villa, Gloucestershire there is a fascinating small museum of Roman material from the villa site and surrounding area.

Archaeological artefacts from excavations, such as those undertaken at Corfe Castle as part of an extensive conservation programme, are also retained and stored as archive material, either by the National Trust or as deposits with national and local archives.

Kingston Lacy and Penrhyn Castle have collections of Egyptian objects, while several other houses, including Tattershall Castle and Chastleton House, have interesting small collections.