Treasure discovered at a site near the internationally renowned Sutton Hoo adds to evidence experts have that an Anglo Saxon palace is buried near Rendlesham, archaeologists believe.
Coins, fragments of jewellery and a piece of gold from the 7th Century have been found close to an area experts think was once home to the “village of the kings” – one of the period’s largest and richest settlements.
Senior Suffolk archaeologist Faye Minter said the recent finds dating back to the era – declared as treasure at an inquest last week – build on evidence they already have that a royal settlement, and possibly a palace or hall, existed.
“The finds are all associated with the area, but bear in mind that is over 100 acres,” she explained.
“They are all from the same parish, near Woodbridge and close to the Sutton Hoo site.
“They add to the evidence we have for the Anglo Saxon royal settlement at Rendlesham.”
Other items discovered at the site near Woodbridge included a silver ingot, which Ms Minter said could date from the Anglo Saxon or Viking periods, and a set of Roman coins.
Also uncovered was an incomplete gold setting – possibly a stud or pendant – which could also be Anglo Saxon.
Revealed exclusively by this newspaper in 2014, previous excavations at Rendlesham were hailed as being of international importance.
Experts believe East Anglian kings would have stayed there, feasted with their followers, administered justice, and collected dues and tributes.
The “village” is said to be the royal place referred to by English monk the Venerable Bede in the 8th Century.
Archaeologists believe it was home to burial sites, working areas, a range of residences and a palace where King Raedwald lived.
Discoveries from excavations at the site were presented to the public four years ago when an exhibition opened at Sutton Hoo.
More than 1,000 items are said to have been uncovered to date.
The Rendlesham site is only a few miles from Sutton Hoo, discovered in 1939. After the 2014 finds, Professor Christopher Scull said: “The Rendlesham survey identified a site of national and indeed international importance for the understanding of the Anglo-Saxon elite and their European connections. “These exceptional discoveries are truly significant in throwing new light on early East Anglia and the origins of Anglo-Saxon kingdom.”
Full list of items declared as treasure:
Gold jewellery setting
Silver ingot
Pierced gold Russian kopek coin
Gold jewellery fitting
Five Roman siliquae coins
Roman silver triangular fragment
Roman denarius of Antoninus Pius (part of earlier coin hoard)
Early medieval strap end
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