Rendlesham Revealed inspires classroom archaeology activities

Rendlesham Revealed was a four-year, community archaeology project which made significant new discoveries about life in Suffolk and Anglo-Saxon England.

It uncovered the remains of a large timber Royal Hall, confirming the location as a royal settlement of the East Anglian Kings. At the same site, a rare, possible pre-Christian temple from the same period was also discovered.

Among the volunteers were over 287 schoolchildren from five local schools, who were actively involved in excavating the site near Sutton Hoo, and helped clean and sort the finds that were dug up during the Rendlesham Revealed project.

Following on from the project’s success, an educational outreach officer will be going into primary schools to deliver hands-on archaeological activities with real artefacts excavated from Suffolk.

Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality, said:

“Rendlesham Revealed was such a triumph in terms of the historical finds that were uncovered – and how it helped to cement Suffolk as an integral part of royal Anglo-Saxon life.

“And for me, the involvement of the local community, charity groups and volunteers was equally as successful – especially the children that played their part in helping us understand our local history.

“Although the digs have now come to a close, the project’s legacy is living on in Suffolk’s schools. It’s really exciting to be able to take hands-on archaeology into primary schools, and hopefully inspire children through the history on their doorstep.”

Lauren Brunning, Class Teacher and History Co-ordinator at Rendlesham Primary School, said:

“It was such a unique experience for our children to be a part of the Rendlesham Revealed excavations, and they absolutely loved it. So I’m really excited for other children to have the opportunity get involved with local history in a practical way, with this new offer from the Archaeological Service.

“When they approached us about the idea, I had no doubt that our children would be enthusiastic about it – and I know that other schools have felt the same.”

Schools can find out more about this opportunity by contacting archaeology.education@suffolk.gov.uk or visiting https://heritage.suffolk.gov.uk/archaeology-education. There will be a charge to schools for the service.

To find out more about Rendlesham Revealed and archaeology in Suffolk, visit heritage.suffolk.gov.uk.