The Lord-Lieutenant was delighted to invest Professor Martin Carver with the Suffolk Medal. There Ceremony took place on Suffolk Day (21 June) at Haverhill.
The Suffolk Medal was launched in March 2019. Anyone can nominate someone for the Award. Its purpose is to recognise, reward and champion the exceptional contributions of individuals that have made a fundamental, measurable, and lasting difference to the lives of people in the county.
Professor Martin Carver, has made a huge impact on the county’s heritage and his international reputation is unrivalled. As a ground-breaking archaeologist, he has played an instrumental role in unveiling further secrets of Sutton Hoo, again catapulting the site onto the world stage, and cementing its reputation as one of the richest archaeological finds discovered in Northern Europe. The burial ground has since enticed numerous visitors to the county, not only boosting tourism and the local economy, but also placing Suffolk firmly on the map for its historical and cultural importance.
Martin has written and co-authored various reports on the discoveries at Sutton Hoo, along with several books which have been heralded for their accessibility and wide appeal.
As well as regularly lecturing in the county, he plays a full and active role as a trustee – and former chair – of Woodbridge-based charity The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company, which is using authentic methods to reconstruct the King’s ship which was buried at the site for 13 centuries.
The Lord-Lieutenant commented, “Another wonderful Suffolk Day is upon us; our eighth since Mark Murphy and BBC Radio Suffolk came up with the idea. I am delighted that it has become synonymous with the Investiture of The Suffolk Medal, the county’s highest honour to one of its own. This very special award only goes to the very best of the best, whose extraordinary contribution to Suffolk Life we are all so very proud and grateful for. Today we salute Martin Carver and all his family members and friends.
The Award also provided the opportunity to honour John Norman, who was awarded the Suffolk Medal in a private ceremony in February, surrounded by his friends and family. For more information about the Suffolk Medal, please visit www.thesuffolkmedal.org.uk
