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

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).