Sutton Hoo Ship Replica Takes Shape in Suffolk
The Sutton Hoo replica ship project is progressing steadily, with significant developments in 2024.
The full-size reconstruction of the 7th century Saxon ship, discovered at the famous Sutton Hoo site in 1939, is being built by a dedicated team of volunteers in Woodbridge, Suffolk.
After overcoming a 9 month delay caused by a split in one of the first wooden pieces, the backbone of the ship has now been completed.
Other delays included a year for the Covid pandemic and a six month hiatus when part of the ship split and a replacement needed to be sourced.
Each plank, made from oak and measuring up to 18 feet in length, required about 60 hours of work to shape and attach to the vessel.
The volunteers include a mix of retired professionals and National Trust apprentices, with the aim of completing the project by 2026.
Once finished, the 88-foot-long ship will be launched for sea trials and is expected to become a major tourist attraction.
The initial discovery of the ship, in 1939, was one of Britain's most significant archaeological discoveries.
Edith Pretty, a local landowner intrigued by the mysterious mounds on her estate, hired archaeologist Basil Brown to investigate.
What they found beneath the largest mound was extraordinary - a 27 metre long ship containing treasures fit for royalty.
The ship burial, believed to date back to the early 7th century, featured a wealth of artifacts, including a now-iconic helmet, finely crafted weapons, gold jewelry, and intricate silverware from the Byzantine Empire.
These treasures revealed the sophistication and far-reaching connections of Anglo-Saxon England, challenging the view of the era as culturally stagnant.
The grandeur of the burial suggests it was likely for a king or noble, possibly King Rædwald of East Anglia.
Though no human remains were found, likely due to the acidic soil, the artefacts alone painted a vivid picture of a leader with both pagan and Christian influences.
Today, the treasures are housed in the British Museum, while the site remains a key location for studying early medieval Britain.
In a recent newsletter (September 2024), The Sutton Hoo Ships Company provided an update regarding the replica vessel.
They said: ‘Unfortunately, we are no closer to securing the wide logs needed for the planking in the centre of the ship – but that does not mean that we are short of work!
’One half of the full-sized midship model was carefully maneuvered from deep within the Longshed and loaded onto a truck for transport to Glemham Hall, further up the A12 from Woodbridge.
’It was featured at FolkEast, a popular annual music, heritage, and craft festival.
’Moving the model was a challenge due to the tight working space, and it had to be trimmed and partially disassembled to fit outside.
’Once out, it was easily loaded and delivered to the site. After a successful weekend on display, the model was returned to Woodbridge and lowered into the dock.
’Secured to the dock wall and ballasted, the internal floors and thwarts (seats) were refitted, ready for a series of upcoming tests.’
Meanwhile, they’re currently appealing to the public for help.
In a Facebook post, published in September 2024, they added “We are currently being held back as we need some very specific timber to complete the central planking of the ship and are appealing to you to help spread the word.
”All our timber has been felled as part of an existing woodland management scheme and to ensure that future generations have the timber to do the same, we are doing we have planted 400 oak saplings along with 1600 other native species at our Saxon Ship Wood in Grundisburgh, Suffolk.
”We thank the Woodland Trust for their support with this. If we can get the next BIG tree in the next few weeks we can stay on track for the launch in 2026.”
How to help the project
People often inquire whether the Saxon Ship has received significant funding or is fully funded for the future.
There are several sponsorship opportunities available to suit various needs, and the organisers are constantly raising funds to get the ship on the water.
Sponsor a part of the ship – From thwart supports to caulking, tholes, and oars, different parts of the ship can be sponsored directly from the front page of their website.
In return, sponsors will be listed on our website and will receive a certificate and a pin badge marking their contribution.
Donate – Support the project through donations via their website at saxonship.org.
Become a Shipmate – For £10 per month, you can sign up for the inside track and become a Shipmate. For more details, email them at shipmates@saxonship.org.
We’d like to say a big well done to all the volunteers - the project is looking fantastic and we can’t wait to see the final version!
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