The End of Rome and the Anglo-Saxon Arrival · Spring Term

Sutton Hoo: A King's Burial

Analysing the ship burial at Sutton Hoo to understand Anglo-Saxon wealth, craftsmanship, and beliefs.

About This Topic

The discovery of the ship burial at Sutton Hoo in 1939 transformed our understanding of the Anglo-Saxon period. For Year 4 students, this topic explores the incredible treasures found in the mound, the iconic helmet, gold jewellery, and coins from across the world. These artefacts prove that the 'Dark Ages' were actually a time of sophisticated craftsmanship and global trade.

Students will act as 'historical detectives' to piece together who might have been buried there (likely King Raedwald) and what the objects tell us about his power and beliefs. This topic aligns with the KS2 History focus on 'Anglo-Saxon art and culture'. It provides a direct link to archaeological methods and the importance of physical evidence. This topic particularly benefits from collaborative investigations where students analyse artefacts to draw conclusions about the past.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the function and significance of at least three specific artefacts from the Sutton Hoo ship burial.
• Compare the craftsmanship evident in Sutton Hoo treasures with contemporary or later Anglo-Saxon art.
• Hypothesize the identity of the individual buried at Sutton Hoo, citing evidence from the grave goods.
• Evaluate the extent to which the Sutton Hoo discovery challenges the perception of the Anglo-Saxon period as 'dark'.

Before You Start

Introduction to the Anglo-Saxons

Why: Students need a basic understanding of who the Anglo-Saxons were and when they lived in Britain before analyzing their specific achievements.

What is History? (Introduction to Historical Enquiry)

Why: Students should have a foundational understanding of how historians use evidence to interpret the past.

Key Vocabulary

ship burial	A burial practice where a ship or boat is used as a grave, often containing the body of a high-status individual and grave goods.
artefact	An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest, such as those found at Sutton Hoo.
assemblage	A collection or gathering of things or people; in archaeology, it refers to the group of artefacts found together at a site.
regalia	The emblems or insignia of royalty, especially the crown, sceptre, and orb; Sutton Hoo contained items suggesting royal status.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Grave Goods

In small groups, students are given photos of five objects from Sutton Hoo (e.g., the helmet, the shoulder clasps, the silver bowls). They must decide what each object tells us about the person buried there (e.g., 'He was a warrior', 'He was rich', 'He traded with far-off lands').

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Simulation Game: Ship Burial

Using a large outline of a ship on the floor, students decide where to place 'treasures' (drawings) based on the actual layout of the Sutton Hoo find. They must discuss why the Anglo-Saxons would bury a whole ship on dry land.

⏱ 30 min·Whole Class

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Think-Pair-Share: The 'Dark Ages'?

Students discuss whether they think 'Dark Ages' is a fair name for this period after seeing the beautiful gold and garnet work of the Sutton Hoo treasures. They must come up with a better name for the era.

⏱ 20 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Museum curators, like those at the British Museum, meticulously research and display artefacts from sites such as Sutton Hoo to educate the public about past civilizations.

Archaeologists use techniques developed from excavating sites like Sutton Hoo to carefully uncover and preserve fragile historical evidence, informing our understanding of ancient societies.

The discovery of Sutton Hoo influenced later artistic styles and historical interpretations, demonstrating how past finds can shape contemporary cultural narratives.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Anglo-Saxons were 'primitive' and couldn't make beautiful things.

What to Teach Instead

The jewellery at Sutton Hoo is some of the finest ever made in Europe. Hands-on 'detective' work with high-quality photos helps students see the intricate detail and skill involved.

Common Misconception

Anglo-Saxons only knew about people in their own village.

What to Teach Instead

The burial contained silver from Byzantium (Turkey) and coins from France. Peer discussion about 'trade routes' helps students see the Anglo-Saxons as part of a global network.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with images of three Sutton Hoo artefacts (e.g., helmet, purse clasp, shield boss). Ask them to choose one and write: 'This artefact suggests Anglo-Saxons were skilled at...' and 'This artefact tells me about Anglo-Saxon...'.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'If you were advising the archaeologists, what one question would you most want the Sutton Hoo treasures to answer about the Anglo-Saxons?' Facilitate a brief class discussion, noting student responses that reflect analysis of trade, status, or beliefs.

Quick Check

Present students with two contrasting statements about the Anglo-Saxon period: 'It was a time of little learning and simple tools' and 'It was a period of rich culture and extensive trade'. Ask students to write one sentence explaining which statement is better supported by the Sutton Hoo evidence and why.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was found at Sutton Hoo?

Archaeologists found the imprint of a 27-metre-long wooden ship buried under a mound of earth. Inside was a 'burial chamber' filled with treasures, including a famous iron helmet, gold belt buckles set with garnets, silver bowls from the Middle East, and a lyre (a musical instrument).

Who was buried at Sutton Hoo?

No body was found because the soil was so acidic it dissolved the bones. However, most historians believe it was King Raedwald of the East Angles, who died around AD 624. The richness of the treasure shows it must have been someone of immense power and importance.

How can active learning help students understand Sutton Hoo?

By acting as 'historical detectives' and analysing specific objects, students learn how to draw inferences. Instead of being told 'the Anglo-Saxons were good at art', they see the gold clasps and conclude it for themselves. This 'inquiry-based' approach makes the discovery feel exciting and helps them understand how we know what we know about the past.

Why did they bury a ship in the ground?

For the Anglo-Saxons, a ship was a symbol of a journey. Burying a king in a ship was a way of helping him travel to the afterlife. It also showed everyone how powerful the king was, as a ship was a very expensive and valuable thing to 'give away' to the earth.