Sutton Hoo archaeologist awarded Suffolk Medal

Prof Martin Carver was awarded the Suffolk Medal by Clare, Countess of Euston

An archaeologist who worked at the historical and internationally renowned Sutton Hoo site has been awarded a medal for his work.

Prof Martin Carver, director of the Sutton Hoo research project near Woodbridge, has become the fifteenth person to be awarded the Suffolk Medal.

The investiture took place on Friday during Suffolk Day - an annual celebration of the county.

Prof Carver said he was "surprised" and "flattered" to receive the medal.

The Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo is believed to have been the resting site of King Raedwald

"I was very surprised, very flattered as well," he said of when he received a letter explaining he was the 2024 recipient.

"I didn't know about the Suffolk Medal but once I did, I assumed it was for people who lived in Suffolk, who were of Suffolk or who had done something brilliant for Suffolk.

"I wasn't at all sure I was that person but they were and they had done research."

Haverhill hosted the 2024 Suffolk Day celebrations on Friday

The Suffolk Medal is the highest award that can be given by the county to an individual.

Suffolk Community Foundation that administers the medal said Prof Carver had made an "unparalleled impact on the county's heritage".

He was keen to express his gratitude to his colleagues at Sutton Hoo who he said all deserved a medal too.

Speaking about his work at Sutton Hoo - famous for the unearthing of an Anglo Saxon burial ship - Prof Carver added: "I've loved every minute of it and I've kept on with Sutton Hoo, the big digs particularly.

"They leave a legacy locally but they leave a legacy in your own heart and you tend to keep coming back and seeing what's happened."

He received the medal during Suffolk Day celebrations in Haverhill. It was presented by Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston.