Site Event/Activity record ESF20680 - Evaluation, Holywells Park, Moated Enclosure, Ipswich

A trenched evaluation was proposed within this moated enclosure in advance of new play equipment being installed in the area. Long believed to be the site of the Ipswich residence of the bishops of Norwich, excavation showed that no substantial structure stood within the moat and that settlement within the moated area itself was unlikely. Documentary research by Anthony Breen has indicated that the bishops of Norwich were very infrequent visitors to Ipswich and that a large residence was doubtful. Rather than thinking in terms of a bishop's palace, it is more probable that the bishop's interests were served by his representative or bailiff who had a more modest dwelling. A quantity of pottery, tile and oyster shell of late medieval to early post-medieval date indicates nearby settlement during this period. Glazed and imported pottery and early rooftile might suggest that a high status dwelling could be within the vicinity. Local schools, youth organisations and community groups were invited to site and helped with the recovery of finds from selected layers and from the spoil heaps. Project status: Complete Yes, Validated Yes Previous/Future Work: Previous Yes, Future Yes Associated Identifiers: HER event no. IPS 497 Sitecode IPS 497 NMR No. 1443615 Project Type: Field evaluation Development Type: Amenity area (e.g. public open space) Methods and Techniques: Sample Trenches Position in the Planning Process: Not known / Not recorded Reason for Investigation: Conservation/ restoration Site status: Local Authority Designated Archaeological Area Current Land use: Other 14 - Recreational usage Monument Type(s)/Period(s): HOLLOW Post Medieval , DITCH Post Medieval Artefact Type(s)/Period(s): POTTERY Medieval , TILE Medieval PROJECT LOCATION Area 8000.00 Square metres Grid Reference: TM17574355 Point PROJECT CREATOR(S) Brief originator: Local Planning Authority (with/without advice from County/District Archaeologist) Design originator: K. Wade Director/Manager: John Newman Supervisor: Jezz Meredith, Mark Sommers DIGITAL ARCHIVE Recipient: Suffolk County SMR Contents: other Media: Database, Images raster / digital photography, Text PAPER ARCHIVE Recipient: Suffolk County SMR Contents: other Media: Correspondence, Drawing, Miscellaneous Material, Report PHYSICAL ARCHIVE Recipient: Suffolk County SMR Contents: Animal Bones, Ceramics, Glass, Metal, Worked stone/lithics BIBLIOGRAPHY Publication Type: Grey literature (unpublished document/manuscript) Title: IPS 497 Holywells Park, Moated Enclosure, Ipswich - Archaeological Evaluation Report Author(s)/Editor(s): Meredith, J. Other Bibliographic Details: SCCAS rpt no. 2006/107 Date: 2006 Issuer/Publisher: SCCAS Place of Issue or Publication: Ipswich, Suffolk Description: 30-page document magnificently illustrated with colour plates and plans. Also boasts not one but two appendices, including one by Anthony Breen which details his documentary research. A4, comb bound, white cover.