ABSTRACT
Germanic settlers began to arrive in substantial numbers from the mid-fifth century. They probably crossed the North Sea in ships similar to the one discovered in the royal ship burial at Sutton Hoo (Suffolk). This was a large open rowing boat 27m (89ft) long, 4.3m (14ft) wide at its greatest width and some 3m (10ft) deep. It was clinker built, constructed from nine rows of overlapping oak planks rivetted together and secured with 26 ribs. Despite the lack of a mast it was a sturdy vessel more than capable of braving the open seas for the short crossing.
