Burrow Hill
Only 10km from the site at Sutton Hoo, there was much to be uncovered on the slopes of Burrow Hill, Suffolk
Burrow Hill stands on a site that used to be an island on the mudflats, overlooking the Butley River, and with views across the Suffolk landscape.
Underneath the hill lay a cemetery, hidden under the soil for over over a thousand years. Valerie was part of the team that exposed this mystery, and found 200 burials, alongside the remnants of boat inhumations.
“Its topography no doubt influenced these early Christian settlers with the ‘genius loci’, the spirit of place, referring to the idea that the landscape has distinctive characteristics that are “experiential, rather than quantifiable.” [4] Elements such as elevation above a river, discreteness of setting, the act of ascension needed to gain access to the site, and visibility of the sky all exemplified and contributed to the spiritual ambience of Burrow Hill.”
Photographs of the dig at Burrow Hill, from Valerie Fenwick’s personal collection
Were you part of this project? Do you have any further information or photographs? Let us know using the form below or by emailing valeriesarchive@proton.me.