Sutton Hoo

	The fabulous Sutton Hoo helmet is the symbol of the site

The discovery of a ship burial at Sutton Hoo has always fascinated me, but it is only recently (the last two years) that the site has been opened to the general public on a regular basis. I have read a lot about the place, but it was not until I actually stood there that I appreciated how close it was to the nearby river, how it commanded the skyline, and how many other tombs there were in the area.

The burial is believed to be that of Raedwald, a Saxon king who was baptised as a Christian but then succumbed to his wife's persuasions and went back to heathenism. However the Venerable Bede tells a story that clearly indicates that both Raedwald and his wife were honourable in their treatment of a royal refugee (Edwin), so we shouldn't judge them too harshly.

If you are ever over that way, do drop in to Sutton Hoo. It is well worth while.