Reconstruction of Sutton Hoo burial ship moves closer with Sizewell C support

By Comms Team | Published on 17 January 2025 | 3 min read

A project to reconstruct the world-famous Sutton Hoo burial ship in Suffolk has received a significant boost after getting support from Sizewell C.   

Sizewell C has donated £20,000 and become the latest organisation to join the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company Corporate Sponsorship Scheme, which is helping to raise the £1.5 million needed to complete the reconstruction.   

The community project to build the 88-foot ship in Woodbridge, Suffolk, is well underway. Volunteers are using 7th century materials and techniques for the ship’s construction and are aiming to launch the vessel on the River Deben in 2026. 

Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C, said: “This is a fantastic project that will make a valuable contribution to our understanding of both Suffolk’s and England’s Anglo-Saxon past. It’s open to local people to come and see its progress at all stages of the build, and so it’s a great educational project to have here in Suffolk.    

“We want the Sizewell C project to open up new insights about Suffolk and its place in Britain. The extraordinary 11th century coin hoard recently discovered on the site, for example, is one of numerous archaeological finds we have made which give us a rare glimpse into our past.  

“We’re delighted to support the Sutton Hoo project, which will further strengthen our understanding of this area’s unique place in history.”   

Described by The British Museum as “the richest intact early medieval grave in Europe,” the Anglo-Saxon ship and its burial chamber of riches was famously discovered by amateur archaeologist Basil Brown in 1939.  

The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company venture brings together archaeologists, historians, experts in construction and shipbuilding and many other skilled volunteers to reconstruct the mysterious ghost ship which was buried for thirteen centuries beneath the sand of Sutton Hoo. 

Jacq Barnard, Project Manager at The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company, said: “The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company survives and thrives thanks to its amazing community of more than 160 volunteers and its family of supporters from across Woodbridge, Suffolk, Britain, and the world, whose imaginations are captured by the scale and ambition of what we are achieving. We are delighted to welcome Sizewell C as our newest corporate sponsor and are grateful for their support to this important local charity.” 

Visitors are welcome to see the ship build in action at The Longshed on Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge, 10am-4pm weekdays and 11am-3pm on weekends. 

Interested parties – both individuals and corporations – can find out more about sponsorship opportunities by visiting the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company website 

Tagged with: Sutton Hoo Ship
Posted by Comms Team