The remains of a “possible temple” from 1,400 years ago showing the “power and wealth” of the East Anglian kings have been discovered on farmland near Sutton Hoo in Suffolk.
Excavations in the summer at Rendlesham revealed the foundations of three timber buildings, including the possible temple – and identified evidence of 7th century metal working.
Two graves of an unknown date, and evidence of earlier settlement and activity from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman periods, were also uncovered.
Nearby Sutton Hoo was the site of one of the greatest ever British archaeological finds in 1939 – the remains of an Anglo-Saxon ship grave containing dazzling gold and jewelled treasure.
Suffolk County Council said the latest find comes after the remains of a large timber royal hall were uncovered at Rendlesham, near Woodbridge, last year, which confirmed the spot as a settlement of the East Anglian kings.
This year’s digs found evidence of fine metalworking associated with royal occupation, including a mould used for casting decorative horse harnesses similar to those found at Sutton Hoo, the council said.
Sutton Hoo is thought to be the final resting place of King Raedwald, who ruled in the seventh century.
