On a bright sunny July morning a coach-load of Society members headed for the intriguing site of Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, donated to the National Trust in 1998.
Just before the outbreak of World War II an archaeological excavation directed by Basil Brown discovered remarkable treasures in an Anglo-Saxon burial ship which, unlike the remaining adjacent burial mounds, had remained undisturbed for 1300 years. The landowner, Mrs Edith Pretty, was heavily involved with developments.
The National Trust has upgraded her whole site. The burial mounds can be visited with or without a guide. They are thought to be the resting place of Raedwald, King of East Anglia in AD 625. A treasury houses exhibitions relating to the burial, including a reconstruction of the interior of the ship. Many pieces of exquisite jewelery and the famous helmet are currently housed at the British Museum, and replicas are on view in the treasury. Recently opened is Tranmer House the home of Mrs Pretty. The National Trust encourages visitors to to enjoy the Edwardian property by handling objects and sitting on the chairs! Colour coded walks around the large estate were to be enjoyed, especially in such lovely weather.
Sutton Hoo has revamped its licensed King's River Cafe, and members certainly did not go hungry when selecting lunch!
After a busy, informative day we made our way home. Many thanks to the Society members who supported the trip.
Anne Jones