A version of the iconic Anglo-Saxon helmet, discovered at Sutton Hoo sits above the visitor centre near Woodbridge. The original is one of the British Museum's 100 A History of the World objects.
"We think this is the best replica helmet ever made," said Simon Peachy, visitor services manager at Suffolk Hoo. "The original helmet [which lives at the British Museum] was in pieces and quite tarnished. This gives a more vibrant impression."
The Sutton Hoo burial mound site is the only known Pagan royal cemetery from the Anglo-Saxon era. "It's amazing to think that there must be other Royal burials, but where are they?" said Angus Wainwright, the National Trust's regional archaeologist.
Angus said the sceptre which was found in the royal burial chamber is one of the many Sutton Hoo mysteries: "Like many of the objects it's unique and that's its problem."
This replica sceptre was made by Bury St Edmunds stonemason Brian Ansell who worked on it at the visitor centre throughout 2009. It's carved from greywhacke stone, used as a hone for blades.
The 'Bromeswell Bucket' was found by a farmer close to the Sutton Hoo site. It was made in modern day Turkey and would have been given to Barbarian kings as a diplomatic gift by Roman military leaders.
Angus said many people do not realise the quality of Anglo-Saxon workmanship: "People think they weren't great craftsmen but you only have to look at this buckle to see the delicacy of the design."
There's also an example of how the ship was made. "It's a banana shaped boat with very high bow and stern. Some people think this was designed for the Suffolk coast to land on shingle beaches," said Angus.
Inside the National Trust visitor centre, the burial chamber from the centre of the ship has been recreated and laid out with grave goods.
"The man we're talking about is possibly King Raedwald who was a very important Anglo-Saxon ruler of this area around 625 AD," said Simon Peachy.
Landowner Edith Pretty instigated the discovery of the treasure at Sutton Hoo in 1939. She was fascinated by the burial mounds on her land and investigated them with local archaeologist Basil Brown.
Simon feels the scenery is one of the most interesting things about Sutton Hoo: "It's a lovely place for people to come and walk and just enjoy the landscape."
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