UK archaeologists are working with boatbuilders to reconstruct one of the world’s most famous Saxon boats, plank by plank and oak to oak – it comes as the Sutton Hoo Ship Company is working around the clock to fully recreate the 6th—and 7th-century vessel with hopes that it will be fully seaworthy by 2026.
The ship’s artefacts were discovered over 80 years ago—during the Second World War—at Woodbridge, Suffolk, England. As a result, Sutton Hoo represents the most impressive medieval grave in Europe, including a vast array of treasurers that now form the basis of the early medical exhibit displayed at the British Museum in London.
Wood Central understands that the builders responsible for constructing the 27-metre-long ship are short of many native timbers required to finish the build.
“The timber we are seeking will predominantly come in two forms: long clear runs of oak from trunks 6m in length and up to 1.2m diameter (at chest height) for planking and other longitudinal timbers, and curved timbers up to 4m long and 0.4m diameter for frames,” according to a Sutton Hoo Ship Company spokesperson.
As a result, the company is now looking for Ash, Scots Pine, Lime and Willow trees: “To replace the trees that we are using, we planted 400 oak saplings in March 2024 along with 1,600 other native species at the Saxon Ship Wood in Grundisburgh, near Woodbridge.”
Archaeologists who have been regularly surveying the site since the war believe the ship was the burial ship for King Raedwald of the East Angles, who was interred in the royal burial ground at Sutton Hoo. The king regularly used the ship before passing away in 624 or 625 AD.
Why is the Sutton Hoo burial site so important?
Basil Brown, an amateur archeologist, made the discovery of a lifetime in 1939 when he brushed away Suffolk soil and revealed the richest intact early medieval grave in Europe. More than a grave, it has been hugely instrumental in shaping the modern understanding of the early medieval period thanks to an 88.6-foot-long ship with a burial chamber full of riches.
As Basil and the team of archaeologists dug deeper, unearthing fine feasting vessels, deluxe hanging bowls, silverware from distant Byzantium, luxurious textiles, gold dress accessories set with Sri Lankan garnets, and the iconic helmet with human mask.
According to Sue Brunning, the Curator of Early Medieval European Collections, the burial was the final resting place of someone who had died in the early seventh century, during the Anglo-Saxon period—before ‘England’ existed.
Brunning said the effort needed to position and bury the ship would have involved:
- Dragging the boat uphill from the River Deben.
- Digging a large trench.
- Cutting trees to craft the chamber.
- Dressing it with finery.
- Raising the mound.
“Ship burials were rare in Anglo-Saxon England – and most probably reserved for the most influential people in society – so there was likely a huge funeral ceremony,” Ms Brunning said.
“We can’t name that king for certain,” she said before adding that Raedwald remains the overwhelming favourite. “He may have held power over neighbouring kingdoms, which may have earned him a good send-off.”
- To learn more about Sutton Hoo, visit the British Museum’s dedicated website. To learn more about the push to reconstruct the ancient wooden boat, click here for the full campaign.
