Site Event/Activity record ESF21837 - Evaluation, Albion Wharf, Ipswich, (IAS 6406).

A pre-planning trial trench evaluation was carried out in part of the site of the former Albion Maltings, Albion Wharf, Ipswich. Two trenches were excavated. Complex well-stratified multi-period deposits were recorded in the western part of the site, beginning at just 0.5m below the existing ground surface. These included two post-medieval wells, a single length of late medieval/early post-medieval septaria built wall and the remains of a possible cobbled surface of 13th-14th century date. A substantial amount of dumping and reclamation activity (principally dating to the 13th/14th centuries) was also recorded in this part of the site. In the eastern part of the site a substantial (at least 19 piles) wooden structure was recorded in unexpectedly deep 'river mud' deposits. This has been interpreted as a probable pier or jetty-type structure within an inlet of some kind that was previously unknown. Its date was extremely difficult to determine but the balance of evidence suggests that it was late medieval. An earlier peat deposit (0.75m thick) was also recorded, but could not be dated. Definite natural subsoil was not located in this eastern part of the site at -0.9m AOD, which was c. 1.5m deeper than anticipated. All the archaeological deposits encountered were well preserved, largely untruncated and quite shallow, lying immediately beneath the extant slab. Consequently, a programme of open area excavation was recommended in a band c. 25m wide parallel to the Key Street frontage, with archaeological monitoring recommended elsewhere further out into the former river channel.