Which of the site’s new features are you most excited about sharing with visitors?
I’m looking forward to making so much more of the Sutton Hoo estate accessible. Quite apart from the historical significance of the site, it’s just a really beautiful place to spend some time. With a hilly landscape that is quite rare for Suffolk, there are some great walks and fantastic views to enjoy here.
As someone with a young family, I’m also excited to welcome lots of new parents and children to Sutton Hoo. We’ll be starting a new parent and toddler group, and are building new children’s play equipment from wood we’ve found on the site.
What most captivates you about the Sutton Hoo story?
I find the whole story fascinating, particularly all the quirks of fate that led to the incredible discovery in 1939.
During the early 17th Century an attempt to rob the Great Ship Burial proved unsuccessful, thanks to a medieval farmer, who had ploughed off the end of the mound many centuries earlier. The altered shape of the mound meant that the robbers missed the centre, where they knew any treasure would lie, by mere metres.
And if Edith Pretty hadn’t developed an interest in spiritualism and, later, a close friendship with her healer, William Parish and his wife Peggy, they may never have stirred her interest in the mounds on her land. And that’s before we consider that World War II would start later that year - which could have destroyed the burial mounds, and their contents, for good.
What aspect of your role do you most enjoy?
I like that no day is the same, and I love working with people - from ensuring that our visitors have a good time, to the sense of camaraderie with my team as we work together to get through the busy days.
A great day out often starts and ends with a bite to eat and a cuppa, and I enjoy being involved in this important aspect of our visitors’ experience. We can make it or break it!