Sutton Hoo to be transformed by £1.8 National Lottery Heritage Grant

The world famous burial ground of the Anglo Saxon king Raedwald is to benefit from a £1.8 million grant which will go towards a £4 million project to transform the Sutton Hoo visitor experience.

Following the confirmation of the National Lottery Grant,the National Trust can move ahead with plans to transform the experience of visitors and help them discover more about the people who settled here and those who went on to lead the archaeological digs that uncovered the world famous finds, including the Sutton Hoo helmet.

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The news of the successful grant bid follows two years of planning and the funds will go towards the total project cost of £4million.

Sutton Hoo transformation plans

A new route around the site will allow visitors to walk in the steps of the Anglo-Saxons.  Tranmer House, the former home of Edith Pretty (pictured below) who instigated the dig that would lead to the discoveries, will be transformed with a new exhibition exploring a timeline of multiple discoveries and the ongoing research at this and other archaeological sites.

 

Enhanced guided tours, activities and installations, innovative interpretation and creative programming will be offered alongside a schools education programme.In addition, partnership working with archaeological bodies, the British Museum and the local community will all help to bring both the landscape and Exhibition Hall to life.

Releasing the Story of Sutton Hoo

The project, called ‘Releasing the Story of Sutton Hoo’, will enable the National Trust to create an experience that helps visitors discover more about this internationally significant site and how its stories have captured the imaginations of people the world over.

 

Allison Girling, Property Operations Manager at Sutton Hoo said: “We welcome visitors with a wide range of interests and knowledge to Sutton Hoo and these plans are all about sharing more about the history of this special place, helping visitors delve deeper into the lives of the Anglo-Saxons who settled here, the people who discovered them and to learn more about what it is that makes Sutton Hoo so fascinating.

 

“From why the Anglo-Saxons chose to bury their king here and how their lives and traditions have influenced English culture for generations, to how the determination of one remarkable woman led to the discoveries in the first place, there are so many stories to tell at Sutton Hoo and thanks to National Lottery players who make these grants possible, we’ll be able to move forward with our plans.”

 

“We’ve been working with Sutton Hoo’s teams of staff and volunteers, regular visitors and supporters, the local community and the National Lottery to shape the future for Sutton Hoo and together we want to create an experience that really brings history to life whether you’re visiting for a family day out, to discover what’s on your doorstep or to support academic research.”

 

The Trust has also been given permission for plans to transform the welcome centre and car park.The £4million project is being made possible thanks in part to support provided by members and visitors and the National Trust is aiming to raise a further £560,000 in order to complete the project. The work is scheduled for completion in 2021. For more information, visit the project website.

(images: Sutton Hoo burial mounds copyright National Trust/Justin Minns; observation platform copyright Nissen Richards; Edith Pretty copyright National Trust images)