East Anglian archaeological remaining discovered in Suffolk

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, the remains of a “possible temple” dating back 1,400 years have been unearthed on farmland near Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, shedding light on the power and wealth of the East Anglian kings from the 7th century.

Excavations conducted in the summer at Rendlesham revealed the foundations of three timber buildings, one of which is identified as a potential temple. The site also provided evidence of metalworking activities from the 7th century.

The discoveries at Rendlesham, near Woodbridge, follow last year’s uncovering of the remains of a large timber royal hall, affirming the site as a settlement of the East Anglian kings. The recent findings include two graves of unknown dates, as well as evidence of earlier human activity during the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman periods.

The archaeological project, known as Rendlesham Revealed and funded by the lottery, conducted the excavations. The site, described by the Venerable Bede in his Ecclesiastical History Of The English People in 731 CE as an East Anglian royal center, is believed to be the location of an extensive royal complex covering 50 hectares, making it unique in the archaeology of fifth to eighth-century England.

The principal academic adviser for the project, Professor Christopher Scull of Cardiff University and University College London, highlighted the significance of the discoveries. The possible temple, or cult house, represents rare evidence of pre-Christian beliefs at a royal site. Its distinctive and robust foundations suggest a special purpose, similar to structures elsewhere in England identified as temples or cult houses. This suggests a potential use for pre-Christian worship by the early kings of the East Angles.

The site’s dimensions, around 20 football pitches in size, emphasize the scale and complexity of the East Anglian royal center. The excavations have been completed, and preliminary results are expected next year following the analysis of the findings. The discoveries contribute valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of early English society, further enhancing our understanding of the historical significance of the East Anglian kings during this period.

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