New Beginnings
When the burial of one of the early High Kings of England was discovered in 1939, contemporary events obscured its initial sensation.
But the site of Sutton Hoo , now a national monument, has continued to fascinate both the public and scholars. Who was this king and when did he die? Where did this dynasty originate and where did the power, wealth and influence come from, to accumulate riches drawn from all over continental
Europe and as far as Byzantium? How long had this prestigious burial site, with its many still unexcavated mounds, already been in use when the king was buried there?
In 1984, a new series of excavations, led by archaeologist Martin Carver began to help unravel these mysteries. Tonight's film chronicles the first year of new investigations using the latest techniques in archaeology. The search for a king has now become the search for the kingdom. Narrator Ian Holm
Title music MIKE OLDFIELD
Executive producer BRUCE NORMAN Producer RAY SUTCLIFFE (R)