Monument record BML 018 - Sutton Hoo Visitor Centre (Sax)

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Summary

Early Saxon mixed rite cemetery, ring ditches, etc recorded in evaluation and full excavation.

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 629e 2493 (110m by 194m) Approximate
Map sheet TM62SW
Civil Parish BROMESWELL, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK
Civil Parish SUTTON, SUFFOLK COASTAL, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (6)

Full Description

February 1997: Geophysical survey showed a clear concentration of linear anomalies in the northernmost area. Subsequent Evaluation recorded a high concentration of archaeological features were recorded in the northern end revealing evidence of an Iron Age field system. See BML 018 Preh for details. Two possible early Saxon sherds of pottery were recovered during the evaluation. (S1, S5)

2000: Full excavation of extended area located BA & small Esax ring ditches and Esax mixed rite cemetery (S2). Details and report to follow (S3).

2007 Assessment and Project Design: The main excavation at the site revealed evidence for four periods of activity. In the northwest area of the site was an early Anglo-Saxon burial ground comprising of c.19 inhumation and c.16 cremations. The majority of the inhumations were furnished with weaponry, with only a few including jewellery items (beads and brooches). The artefact forms date these graves from the 6th to early 7th century. Both urned and unurned cremations are represented, some in typical stamp-decorated pots, databale between the late 5th and 6th century, while others are marked by ring ditches. Of particular note is a cremation in a hanging bowl normally datable from the early 7th century. Also identified was a ditch with a bonfire feature set in a recut was radiocarbon data to AD 262-427. See also BML 018 Preh (S4).

Full publication in preperation (May 2009).

1999:Geophysical survey comprising magnetometer and soil resistance survey. The Magnetometer survey identified a number of ferrous disturbances associated with electricity or water pipes and possibly associated with the redevelopment at Sutton Hoo House. A number of positive anomalies were detected which could be archaeological features comprising one 2-3m in diameter, a row of circular anomalies and a linear anomaly. A further semi-circular anomaly was detected which may continue outside the survey area. The soil resistance survey returned similar results of the magnetometer survey with a number of low and high resistance anomalies detected. A number of these were associated with probable garden activity or modern services. Rubbles spreads were also identified, associated with the building and re-development of the main house. Possible archaeological features consisted of two low resistance linear feature, a low resistance curvilinear features (S8).

Sources/Archives (9)

  • <S1> Finds Report: Plouviez, J.. 1995. SCCAS Finds Record:. SCCAS, Martin E, February 1997.
  • <M1> Unpublished document: Suffolk Archaeological Service. Parish Files. (S1).
  • <S2> Bibliographic reference: Miscellaneous Bibliographic reference. SCCAS, Topham-Smith C, 'A Second Anglo-Saxon Cemetery at Sutton Hoo', SAXON, 33, 2000.
  • <S3> Verbal communication: Personal communication. SCCAS, Topham-Smith C, July 2000.
  • <S4> Unpublished document: Fern, C.. 2007. Assessment and Project Design, Sutton Hoo Visitors' Centre, Tranmer House, Bromeswell, Suffolk.
  • <S5> Unpublished document: Abbott, C.. 1997. Archaeological Evaluation, Sutton Hoo Visitors Centre, Bromeswell.
  • <S6> Unpublished document: Abbott, C. And Breen, A.. 1997. Archaeological Desktop Assessment, Sutton Hoo House Visitors Centre.
  • <S7> Unpublished document: Copp, A., Garner-Lahire, J. and Simpson, T.. 1997. Geophysical and Topographic Survey, Sutton Hoo House Area, Suffolk.
  • <S8> Unpublished document: Simpson, T.. 1999. Geophysical Survey - Sutton Hoo House, Sutton Hoo.

Finds (10)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (5)

Record last edited

Mar 14 2024 10:40AM

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