Tributes to 'dynamic' founder of Anglo-Saxon site

Tributes have been paid to a leading archaeologist and founder of a historic Anglo-Saxon village.

Dr Stanley West led the excavation of West Stow near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, between 1965 and 1972 discovering many of the original buildings.

He passed away at the age of 93 on Thursday 7 March.

His son Marcus paid tribute and described him as a man with "an enquiring and dynamic mind".

He added: "Stanley was a much-loved husband to Irene, father, grandfather and friend.

"His enthusiasm for life and knowledge has certainly been passed on and will continue to influence and inspire us."

Following his excavation of the Anglo-Saxon village, Dr West helped develop a reconstruction of the site with the first of the homes completed in 1973.

Work continued through to 1999 when the Anglo-Saxon centre, café and shop were official opened.

Ian Shipp, a cabinet member for leisure and culture at West Suffolk Council, said many things we know about the Anglo-Saxons "would simply not have been possible" if it were not for Dr West.

"Through this he has helped teach and inspire thousands of children and adults alike about this part of our local history and heritage and we are forever grateful for all he did for West Stow and West Suffolk," Mr Shipp added.

Dr West started his career in 1948 working as an archaeology assistant at Ipswich Museum.

In the 1970s he became pivotal in setting up county archaeology units in both Norfolk and Suffolk.

Dr Catherine Hills who also worked with Dr West to excavate West Stow added that he had a "dry sense of humour, warmth and integrity as well as a depth of knowledge of the archaeology of East Anglia".

West Stow now consists of eight reconstructed buildings and is managed by West Suffolk Council on behalf of the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village Trust.

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