Discovered by a local archaeologist in 1939, the Anglo Saxon burial ground and its hoards of treasure and secrets have fascinated people for decades.

Now, the National Trust has been awarded a £1.8million National Lottery grant to transform the experience of visitors and help them discover more about the people who settled here and those who went on to lead the archaeological digs that uncovered the world famous finds, including the Sutton Hoo helmet.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF in the East of England, said: “Sutton Hoo is an incredibly significant treasure trove of Anglo-Saxon heritage and it's exciting that thanks to National Lottery players, this fascinating site will be transformed for visitors from near and far. This is a great opportunity to share this amazing place and put people of all ages at the heart of a story which spans 6,000 years.”

Looking to the future of Sutton Hoo

Plans include building a 17 metre observation tower with views over the entire burial ground and to the River Deben beyond. It was from the River Deben that an Anglo Saxon ship was hauled up the valley before it formed the burial chamber found in Mound One, where the famous treasure was discovered by Suffolk archaeologist Basil Brown.

[quote= Alison Girling, National Trust] "There are so many stories to tell at Sutton Hoo and thanks to National Lottery players who make these grants possible, we’ll be able to move forward with our plans.” [/quote]

A new route around the site will allow visitors to walk in the steps of the Anglo Saxons while Tranmer House, the former home of Edith Pretty who instigated the dig that would lead to the discoveries, will become home to a new exhibitions exploring the timeline of Sutton Hoo discovering and research.

Alison Girling, Property Operations Manager at Sutton Hoo, said: “From why the Anglo-Saxons chose to bury their king here and how their lives and traditions have influenced English culture for generations, to how the determination of one remarkable woman led to the discoveries in the first place, there are so many stories to tell at Sutton Hoo and thanks to National Lottery players who make these grants possible, we’ll be able to move forward with our plans.”

Take a look at the National Trust website to discover more about the future of Sutton Hoo.