Five-figure lottery grant to help uncover Suffolk’s Anglo-Saxon history
Volunteers excavating the remains of an Anglo-Saxon house Picture: SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL - Credit: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk’s archaeological service has been boosted by a five figure lottery grant for “internationally important” work uncovering the county’s Anglo-Saxon history.
Heritage Lottery Fund. Picture: HLF - Credit: HLF
A further half a million pounds could be on the cards if a second round funding bid is successful.
The Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a grant of £41,600 to Suffolk County Council Archaeological Service for the Rendlesham Revealed: Anglo-Saxon Life in South-East Suffolk project.
The cash will be used for a first phase programme lasting a year which includes research work, the employment of a project officer and trial sessions with the local community and schools about the Anglo-Saxon history in the area.
Plans will also be developed for a thorough activity programme for a four year project, with a second round application of lottery funding for £517,300 set to fund that if their bid is successful.
Faye Minter, senior archaeological officer said: “It will be community led archaeology with the training of volunteers, schools and other people from anywhere really in south-east Suffolk.
“We hope to have on-site work and excavation in the main four years and then we also have off-side things looking at how to identify finds and working with schools.”
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The scheme will see further work in the Deben Valley, which has been commencing for the last decade – including evidence for an Anglo-Saxon palace in the past couple of years.
Ms Minter said: “[This grant] is amazing because we finally have the time to plan this properly, and it’s really exciting we can start working with the public with this archaeology that is internationally important.”
As well as continued excavation work, Rendlesham Revealed also hopes to connect the shared history of sites in the area such as Sutton Hoo and explore the wider impact of Anglo-Saxon life in the south east part of the county.
Richard Rout, cabinet member for environment at the county council, said: “We are thrilled to begin this project, thanks to funding from the National Lottery.
“It’s important to create meaningful connections with our archaeological heritage and to leave a long-lasting legacy.
“By piecing together this local history, we will attract further national and international interest, boosting our economy and the profile of our county.”
