Sceptre
Length: 58.300 cm (whetstone)
Width: 5.100 cm (whetstone)
Diameter: 10.700 cm (ring)
Length: 58.300 cm (whetstone)
Height: 8.800 cm (pedestal)
Gift of Mrs E.M. Pretty
M&ME 1939,10-10,160;M&ME 1939,10-10,205
Room 41: Europe AD 300-1100
tour 3 of 10
Sutton Hoo
Sceptre
A sceptre is held by a king or queen on special occasions to
show that they are royal. This has been the case for hundreds of
years, and still happens today in many countries. Queen Elizabeth
II held three different sceptres at her coronation.
The person buried at Sutton Hoo had a huge, very heavy sceptre.
The main part of it is made of stone - actually a big whetstone,
used to sharpen swords on. Maybe this is meant to show that his
sword was always sharp. A stag, the king of the forest, is on the
top.