Sutton Two?

Moundville, Suffolk.

To Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, this evening, for a party to mark 20 years of business for local engineers JP Chick & Partners. Before buffet and drinks in the house there was a guided tour of the burial mounds, for which I arrived just in time. And I'm so glad that I did!

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It may look like a load of old hillocks to you, but hidden beneath the surface lie what must be two of the most amazing stories in the history of these islands. I can't decide which is the more fascinating, the story of the buried Anglo-Saxon king, or the story of the lady who unearthed his remains.

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I don't propose to take the time and space to tell either tale here. Those are for you to discover for yourselves. But I do believe that here in East Suffolk we are fortunate to have such rich and ancient history on our very own doorstep. It fairly makes me swell with pride!

Sutton Hoo - Shoulder Clasp (detail)

Cloisonne garnets set in gold.

Made in Rendlesham Suffolk; early seventh century;

the finest jewellery of this period to be found anywhere in Europe.

Wow!