In the early summer of 1939, with war only months away, a self-taught Suffolk excavator named Basil Brown brushed sand from the ghost of a ship. Its timbers had long since rotted, but the rivets still sat in rows, outlining a vessel about 89 feet (27 meters) long buried beneath a mound at Sutton Hoo. Inside lay one of the richest burials ever found in England: gold and garnet fittings, a great helmet, silver from the eastern Mediterranean. The grave dates to the early 600s, making it Anglo-Saxon rather than Viking, well over a century before the first Viking raids. But the idea of burying a leader in a ship was shared across the North Sea, and the closest parallels to Sutton Hoo’s helmet and shield come from Sweden. Netflix’s 2021 film ‘The Dig’ tells the story of that excavation.
The Extraordinary Sutton Hoo Burial Site
The Film’s Portrayal of the Discovery and Characters
The film follows the real people behind the dig: landowner Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan), who commissioned the excavation; Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes); Cambridge archaeologist Charles Phillips (Ken Stott), who took over once the find’s importance became clear; and Peggy Piggott (Lily James), who uncovered the first gold. The looming war hangs over every scene, as it did over the real excavation.
Captivating Moments and Lasting Impact
One of the film’s best moments recreates Peggy Piggott’s first gold find, a tiny gold-and-garnet fitting, on July 21, 1939. It was the first hint of how much treasure lay under the Suffolk sand.
“The Dig” also pays homage to the awe-inspiring Sutton Hoo ship, impeccably recreated on the film’s set. Production designers delved into the archives of the British Museum, painstakingly examining photographs to ensure an accurate representation. The result is a full-size replica that serves as a poignant reminder of the original vessel. This set forges a visceral connection between the audience and this pivotal moment in history.
As the excavation progresses, the film delves into the dynamic relationships between the characters. It takes care to portray the collaboration and evolution of understanding between Basil Brown and Charles W. Phillips. The film artfully balances historical accuracy with cinematic storytelling, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human interactions and the shared pursuit of knowledge.
In its closing scenes, “The Dig” captures a significant moment as Basil Brown fills the Sutton Hoo ship with bracken, a solemn reflection of the nation’s entry into the tumultuous Second World War. Basil’s diary entries, dating back to August 31, lend an authentic touch to the historical turning point. By blending history with the magic of cinema, the film presents a compelling narrative that invites audiences to partake in the preservation and appreciation of our collective past.
Sutton Hoo Artifacts on Display
The Sutton Hoo treasures are on display at the British Museum in London, in the Sir Paul and Lady Ruddock Gallery of Sutton Hoo and Europe, AD 300–1100 (Room 41). The burial ground itself is managed by the National Trust, where visitors can walk among the mounds and see where the ship lay.
Sutton Hoo reminds us that the past is still under our feet, waiting for patient hands. At Asgard Alaska we hope to bring that same sense of discovery to Alaskans, with history you can see, touch and ask questions of.
We look forward to bringing you the opportunity to experience the Norse way of life through Asgard Alaska. You can help us achieve that goal through a tax-deductible donation. We appreciate your support.
Sources
- The British Museum, Inside ‘The Dig’: how the star-studded film squares with reality of Sutton Hoo
