Overview

• A 1,400-year-old 'possible temple' has been discovered near Sutton Hoo in Suffolk, England. The temple is believed to have been overseen by King Raedwald, who is thought to have been buried at Sutton Hoo.
• The temple was discovered as part of an archaeology project at Rendlesham, which revealed that the royal compound was more than double the size previously estimated.
• Excavations also revealed evidence of fine metalworking associated with royal occupation, including a mould used for casting decorative horse harnesses similar to those known from nearby Sutton Hoo.
• The compound had a 1.5km-long ditch around the perimeter and is thought to be part of a wider settlement covering 50 hectares, making it 'unique in the archaeology of 5th to 8th Century England in its scale and complexity'.
• More than 200 volunteers, including primary school children, were involved in the dig this summer and more than 600 have taken part since it began three years ago.