A self-taught local archaeologist with limited formal education who is hired by Edith Pretty to excavate Sutton Hoo burial mounds. Despite initial low pay and professional skepticism from established experts, he correctly identifies the site's Anglo-Saxon significance. He perseveres through physical danger and bureaucratic demotion, ultimately uncovering the ship burial and artifacts before preserving the site as the war begins.
Edith funds and directs Basil's excavation work at Sutton Hoo.
Phillips usurps control of the excavation, sidelining the original excavator.
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