Reconstructing the SUTTON HOO SHIP

Reconstructing the SUTTON HOO SHIP

From Tony Robinson's Cunningcast by Tony Robinson

October 30, 2025 · 31 min · Season 3 · Episode 8

About this episode

Tony Robinson discusses the reconstruction of the Sutton Hoo burial ship with leading archaeologist Professor Martin Carver.

One of Tony’s favourite things going on at Sutton Hoo currently is the reconstruction of the world-famous Sutton Hoo burial ship which was discovered in Mound 1 in 1939 by the archaeologist Basil Brown. The ship is believed to be the grave of King Rædwald, the 7th Century Anglo-Saxon ruler of East Anglia. The Sutton Hoo Ships Company is a project based in Woodbridge, Suffolk, which is using an army of committed volunteers and some dedicated staff to reconstruct the ship, using the original archaeological evidence, traditional tools, and authentic materials to bring the ninety-foot ship back to life. Today leading Sutton Hoo archaeologist Professor Martin Carver, gives us a guided tour of the project.    Hosted by Sir Tony Robinson | Instagram @sirtonyrobinson   Producer: Melissa FitzGerald | X @melissafitzg   With   Professor Martin Carver | www.martincarver.com   British archaeologist renowned for his work on early medieval Europe. After serving 15 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, he transitioned to archaeology, founding the Birmingham University Field Archaeology Unit. He was Professor of Archaeology at the University of York (1986–2008) and led…

People in this episode

Host: Tony Robinson

Guest: Professor Martin Carver

Topics covered

  • archaeology
  • Sutton Hoo
  • Anglo-Saxon history
  • ship reconstruction
  • cultural heritage

Keywords

  • Sutton Hoo
  • burial ship
  • archaeology
  • King Rædwald
  • Anglo-Saxon
  • reconstruction
  • Professor Martin Carver
  • cultural heritage

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Sutton Hoo Ships Company, Birmingham University Field Archaeology Unit, Sutton Hoo National Trust

Books & works: Time Team

Places: East Anglia, Woodbridge, Suffolk

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