Archaeologists are conducting a new excavation at Sutton Hoo to uncover the secrets of the graveyard’s geophysical anomalies.

A new excavation is planned for Sutton Hoo, the site where the famous Anglo-Saxon ship burial was found in 1939.

Researchers aim to enhance their comprehension of the Suffolk location and gather further insight into an Anglo-Saxon graveyard that was unearthed in 2000 while constructing a visitor center.

The National Trust has teamed up with Time Team, a TV and online program, for a two-year research venture. A dig is set to commence in June.

According to the environmental organization, the initiative will expand upon previous efforts by Time Team in 2021 and 2022, which involved conducting ground penetrating radar surveys of the Royal Burial Ground and Garden Field.

Angus Wainwright, regional archaeologist for the National Trust, said: “Time Team’s geophysical survey identified several mysterious features in Garden Field.

We aim to identify whether they are archaeological or geological structures.

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We are meticulously preparing for a June excavation through careful planning.

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The Garden Field contains a vast array of archaeological artifacts, ranging from ancient fields and potentially burial sites, to Roman settlements and an Anglo-Saxon graveyard. It is possible there is more hidden history waiting to be discovered.

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Previous research in this area has indicated that it is probable that we will discover prehistoric flint tools and fragments of Anglo-Saxon objects from scattered burials in the ploughed soil. However, our primary focus will be determining the nature of the enigmatic geophysical anomalies.

We aim to gather proof of the ancient history of Sutton Hoo and potentially uncover additional knowledge about the cemetery from the Anglo-Saxon period. This discovery was initially made in 2000 during the construction of the visitor center.

The method will be meticulous, documenting all discoveries in 3D starting from the surface and going through the soil layer, until we reach the untouched historical artifacts.

It is believed that the ship burial served as the ultimate resting spot for King Raedwald, who was the ruler of East Anglia during the seventh century.

According to Mr. Wainwright, the 1939 find not only shocked the field of archaeology, but also paved the way for future exploration.

He stated that subsequent archaeological expeditions at Sutton Hoo were able to unravel lingering questions from the initial excavation and provide further insight into the culture and habits of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom in East Anglia.

I am excited to see what the upcoming chapter will bring.

The latest project will involve the members of the archaeological team from the 1980s who conducted a dig at the Royal Burial Ground.

“I am delighted to announce that our partnership with Sutton Hoo will be extending, giving us the chance to further explore the fascinating history of this iconic British location,” shared Tim Taylor, the series producer and creator of Time Team.

“The story of Sutton Hoo has captured the world’s imagination, as we can see by the success of the award-winning film The Dig, and we hope to reveal yet another exciting chapter.”

Helen Geake, an expert from Time Team, expressed her excitement about discovering a previously unknown area of the landscape.

This discovery is a captivating addition to the puzzle that we have only had limited knowledge about. Being able to uncover something new and concrete would be incredibly remarkable.

Sir Tony Robinson will present a documentary showcasing the investigation documented by Time Team.

Sir Tony expressed his excitement about being involved with the Sutton Hoo excavation, stating that in all his years studying archaeology, he never imagined he would have the opportunity.

The National Trust plans to collaborate with volunteer archaeologists to aid the project. Visitors will also have the chance to witness live excavations during the dig.

Source: independent.co.uk