Prized ‘Bucket of Death' was stuffed with remains of ‘dead VIP' in bombshell Anglo Saxon Sutton Hoo discovery
This "bucket of death" contains the cremated remnants of both human and animal bones – solving a decades-old mystery.
8
8
8
Archaeologists say that the human remains found inside the posh Byzantine bucket belonged to an "important person".
The so-called Bromeswell Bucket was discovered at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, an archaeological treasure trove with two major Anglo-Saxon burial sites dating back around 1,500 years.
The site is famous for its undisturbed ship burial, which was found back in 1938.
Pieces of the copper-alloy bucket have been unearthed over the decades, with a fresh discovery last year.
The latest find was made by TV show Time Team working with the National Trust and FA Heritage.
"Because of its proximity to fragments discovered much earlier, we had hoped this year's dig would yield more of the Bromeswell Bucket," said Angus Wainwright, of the National Trust.
"Which originated from the Byzantine empire in the 6th century – around a hundred years before the ship and its extraordinary treasure was put to rest."
Wainwright continued: "Thanks to closer inspection, we now believe that the bucket had been previously damaged and then repaired.
"In-depth analysis of the metals suggest it might even have been soldered back together."
The bucket contains a "very norther, very Germanic cremation", according to Time Team archaeologist Helen Geake.
'Once in a century' Pompeii discovery as ancient luxury SPA is saved from ashes with thermal baths & stunning mosaic
"It epitomises the strangeness of Sutton Hoo - it has ship burials, horse burials, mound burials and now bath-bucket burials," she told the BBC.
DIG IN!
The discovery was made at Garden Field, which has now been fully metal detected.
All of the items found at the site have been recorded in 3D and will be processed – so more discoveries might be on the horizon.
The bucket itself has been a longstanding mystery for scientists.
8
8
8
It's decorated with a mysterious hunting scene that depicts naked warriors fighting with lions.
And it has an inscription in Greek that says: "Use this in good health, Master Count, for many happy years".
The latest dig unearthed the base of the bucket, which was packed with cremated remains.
"We knew that this bucket would have been a rare and prized possession back in Anglo-Saxon times, but it's always been a mystery why it was buried," Wainwright said.
8
"Now we know it was used to contain the remains of an important person in the Sutton Hoo community.
"I'm hopeful that further analysis will uncover more information about this very special burial."
DECADES-LONG MYSTERY
The bucket has been found in several parts, with the first discovery made in 1986.
More parts were unearthed in 2012, with a fresh lot discovered in the latest Time Team digs.
SUTTON HOO EXPLAINED
Here's what you need to know...
Sutton Hoo is an important archaeological site.
It's the location of Anglo-Saxon cemeteries dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries.
The site is located near Woodbridge in Suffolk, UK.
Excavations began in 1938 with the discovery of a ship burial packed with Anglo-Saxon treasures.
Countless artefacts have been found at the site since then – with treasures still turning up today.
The name Sutton Hoo comes from Old English with Sutton meaning "southern farmstead" and Hoo referring to "shaped like a heel spur".
Picture Credit: Getty Images
The bucket's base contained a burned comb with remarkably well-preserved teeth.
Archaeologists believe it was likely made from an antler belonging to a deer.
The human remains are believed to belong to a high-status individual, while the cremated animal bones have been linked to an animal that's "larger than a pig", like a horse.
This may have been a way of showcasing the elite status of the person whose remains were stored in the bucket.
8
Human remains include parts of a skull and ankle bone.
Details on the age and sex of the individual haven't been revealed, by archaeologists hope to probe the comb for long-lost DNA that may shed light on the person inside the bucket.
"This year's dig has been fantastic, and we've really been able to piece together part of a 40-year mystery and unearth a new chapter in the Sutton Hoo story," said Time Team creator Tim Taylor.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
I've found a Center Parcs alternative that's cheaper at just £40 a night – it has a farm & looks like a Robin Hood set
A SAVVY mum has claimed to have found a 'beautiful' Center Parcs alternative that's "less than half the price." So if you want to get away with your little darlings this summer but can't afford to splash too much cash, then you'll need to check this out. 6 6 6 6 While the cost of a Center Parcs break can vary massively depending on the location, time of year and the type of accommodation, during the school summer holidays, families can expect to pay upwards of £899 for a summer break. But according to this bargain hunter, she has found a much cheaper location that is just £40 per person per night. Not only is the more affordable alternative set in a gorgeous forest in Nottinghamshire, but there's plenty for kids to do - there's a large swimming pool, a petting zoo and of course hot tubs too. Posting on social media, a content creator who posts under the username 'Bored With Kids' gave her followers a close-up look at her recent trip to Sherwood Castle Holiday Forest. The mother and her sons had 'a lovely break' whilst staying at the 'little woodland lodges,' which are said to 'offer visitors a chance to step into a world where history and fantasy intertwine.' The lodges are set amidst the whispering trees of the ancient forest, ensuring guests wake up to the serene sounds of nature. Thrilled with her recent stay, the mother said: 'If you're looking for a cheap Center Parcs alternative, then this could be right up your street - we spent three nights here for just under £500 or £40 per person per night. 'It is heavily influenced by its location near Sherwood Forest and by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves - there are loads of original props from the movie here, including the actual reception.' Thrilled with the accommodation, the mother continued: 'The woodland lodges have hot tubs and are pretty similar to the Center Parcs ones with the layout - we even had a log burner here, which was lovely at night. 'Plus you have tennis, bowling and swimming available before 5pm - you can actually book out the whole pool for yourselves if you wanted.' This holiday park is like Center Parcs, Haven and Butlin's in one Not only this, but there's also a petting zoo, a mini golf course and a large playground too. According to the holiday forest's website, this resort will enable kids to 'release their energy,' whilst ensuring 'every member of the family is catered to.' How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' As well as being affordable, thanks to the extensive range of family-friendly amenities and activities, it's said to be 'the ideal destination for a memorable getaway.' Clearly overjoyed with the fantastic, fun staycation destination, the mother concluded: 'It is less than half the price of the cheapest Center Parcs lodge, it's in a beautiful location and there are loads of lovely places to visit nearby.' Social media users react The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ bored_with_kids, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 163,600 views, 1,235 likes and 58 comments. Social media users were left open-mouthed by the 'great' holiday destination, which is great for those looking to cut costs on flights and spend time in the UK this summer. One person said: 'Looks great.' Another added: 'This place looks great and brilliant price.' Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board. Plan Ahead: Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities. Research kid-friendly attractions and activities. Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children's schedules. Pack Smart: Create a packing checklist to ensure you don't forget essentials. Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained. Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on. Travel Comfort: Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey. Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones. Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep. Stay Organized: Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted. Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder. Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation. Engage and Entertain: Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals. Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums. Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged. Maintain Routine: Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible. Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals. Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation. Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children's needs and moods. Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments. Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip. These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories! Meanwhile, a third asked: 'Is it dog friendly?' In response, the savvy influencer responded and shared: 'It is.' Meanwhile, one user snapped: 'That's not cheap.' To this, the content creator wrote back and shared: 'It's cheaper than Centre Parcs.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club 6 6
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
Ribbon cut on Swindon's Fleming Way transport hub
The ribbon has been cut on a £33m transformation of a transport hub, which closed a major junction for three-and-a-half is expected that buses will run from Fleming Way in Swindon from 31 August, a year later than hoped, and pedestrians will be able to use the area as soon as fencing is Borough Council hopes the hub will be the first step in regenerating the much-criticised town changes have been designed to create a better space for buses, cycling and walking, with the old bus station being demolished. The hub was opened by Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander, Swindon's mayor, Fay Howard and cabinet member for transport, Chris are new bus shelters with better accessibility, wireless charging, digital screens and solar panels. Lots of greenery has been planted too - more than 181 trees, and 23,000 plants and cycle lanes also connect the town's two main cycle money came from the government's Future High Streets Fund, the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership's Local Growth Fund and Swindon Borough Council. Ms Alexander, MP for Swindon South, said: "As a born-and-bred Swindon girl, nothing gives me more pride than opening brand-new public transport infrastructure in the heart of our town."Mr Watts said it was a "hugely complex and challenging scheme to deliver" but thanked those who worked on said as well as removing the "run-down" bus station, the council would now like to build a new entertainment venue next to Fleming Way. Stagecoach West said it will operate almost 1,000 journeys a week from the new hub."The new interchange at Fleming Way will provide customers with state-of-the-art journey planning, which will be transformational for them," Chris Hanson from the company Murray, managing director of Swindon's Bus Company, said: "This is a spectacular transformation. The location promises to be one of the region's major transport hubs, and we are excited to be operating our services here." The council said the improvements could boost the local economy by £28m over the next 20 said it has already attracted private investment to the area, including FI Real Estate Management spending £8.5m on its offices also said the changes encouraged it to keep its headquarters in the town.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
World's smallest Wetherspoons can be found inside a train station and has NO toilets
WITH over 800 Wetherspoons pubs across the UK, you're never far from a 'Spoons' - but if you wanted to head to the smallest, you'll find it inside a train station. Located in London 's Cannon Street Station, Sir John Hawkshaw is the the world's smallest Wetherspoons. 4 4 Win one of 8 incredible holidays to the Caribbean, Mexico and Greece by voting in The Sun's Travel Awards - enter to win here In total, the pub features just 42 tables, which is considerably less than other drinking spots in the capital. In fact, the watering hole is so small there aren't even any toilets - for that, you'll need to head across the concourse to the public toilets. According to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), the pub opened back in December 2014 and is named after one of the co-designers of the original station building, which opened in 1866 and features a connecting bridge that heads over the River Thames. The spot even has a veranda for drinking outside the pub itself - though you'll still be inside the station. Inside the pub itself, there is a mixture of classic Spoons' high tables and normal-height tables. And there is even a screen in one corner that shows the arrivals and departures, so you can keep an eye on what time your train leaves whilst sipping a cold pint. Usually, the pub serves three regular beers, which are Greene King Abbot, Greene King IPA and Sharp's Doom Bar. Then there are usually three changing beers as well. Due to the pub's small size, there is a single bar for punters to head to, which features a copper top. I went to the UK's biggest Wetherspoons with rooftop bar overlooking the beach For visitors wanting to know a little more about the historic station surrounding the pub, the veranda has a blue plaque with information on. It shares how "the station had eight platforms under a single span arch roof" and that "far below the station are the remains of a Roman palace, built in the first century". Later, the 'Steelyard' was used by German and Flemish merchants, until it was destroyed by the Great Fire of London in 1666. Nearly 25 years later, the Company of Plumbers then built their Livery Hall meeting place on the site, which stood there until the 1860s. 4 From the veranda and tables inside near the window, visitors can watch the trains come into the platforms just metres from the pub. One visitor noted: "It's handy for a quick pint on the way home." Another added: "It was surreal having a vino with all the trains going by - had a Harry Potter moment there!" The 10 most beautiful Wetherspoons in the UK SOME of the prettiest Wetherspoons pubs can be found in old cinemas and even bingo halls - here are the top spots... Opera House, Royal Tunbridge Wells: The former opera house in Royal Tunbridge Wells first opened its doors to the public back in 1902. The Winter Gardens, Harrogate: The Winter Gardens used to be part of the Royal Baths in Harrogate and provided a place where people could relax. The Corn Exchange, Bury St Edmunds: The Grade I listed building started life as a location for merchants and Victorian farmers to trade back in 1862. The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate: Ramsgate's Royal Victoria Pavilion holds the title of the world's biggest Wetherspoons. The Velvet Coaster, Blackpool: The pub is named after one of Blackpool's most famous historical fairground rides, in which thrill-seekers of the past sat in velvet-lined carriages that rolled along a wooden track. The Caley Picture House, Edinburgh: The art-deco insides of the Caley Picture House in Edinburgh make it look like like it could feature in the Great Gatsby. The Palladium, Llandudno: The Palladium in Llandudno, in North Wales, is another Wetherspoons that used to be a cinema. The Counting House, Glasgow: The ex-Bank of Scotland building was designed in the Italian Renaissance style and visitors can even have a drink in its underground vault. Hamilton Hall, London: Outside of London's Liverpool Street Station is Hamilton Hall, which at one stage was a ballroom in the Great Eastern Hotel. The Knights Templar, London: Elsewhere in London, The Knights Templar can be found inside a former Union Bank building. For Wetherspoons fans, there is also good news as a new location is opening inside an abandoned UK attraction next month. Plus, The Sun's Kara Godfrey visited one of the prettiest Wetherspoons in the UK – it's right by the beach and has huge stained glass windows. 4
