Sutton Hoo hosting exhibition showing what an Anglo-Saxon Christmas might have been like
Experts say their celebrations of what they called Yule probably weren't dissimilar to ours - and would've included eating, drinking and mistletoe
Visitors to Sutton Hoo - the archaeological burial site near Woodbridge - are getting the chance to experience what Christmas might have been like 1400 years ago.
The National Trust has launched an exhibition showing what a traditional Anglo-Saxon Yule feast might have looked like.
Experts say their celebrations of what they called Yule probably weren't dissimilar to ours - and would've included eating, drinking and mistletoe.
Joshua Ward is Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Sutton Hoo: “The actual customs of yule are very similar to many of the customs we celebrate today and many of the items unearthed at Sutton Hoo can be linked to these celebrations.
“Research has suggested that the Anglo-Saxons almost certainly decorated with evergreen plants - including holly, ivy and mistletoe - and also drank alcohol served in a variety of drinking vessels, including those like the horns, cups and flasks unearthed from the Great Ship Burial.
"They also would have entertained each other by reciting poems, epic stories and by playing music. Evidence of lyres and has been found in several high-status burials from the period, including at Sutton Hoo. They may well have produced the Christmas number ones of their day!”