Monument record BEL 026 - Iron Age and Middle Saxon activity, Kesgrave Quarry (N Face)

January 1999: Evaluation of Kesgrave quarry north face revealed archaeological finds and features. Cut features included 5 small pits and 4 ditches, 1 of which contained BA pottery (Beaker), undated patinated flint flakes, 2 iron nails, 1 unidentified iron bar fragment. Ditches appear to represent boundaries, numerous re-cuts, probably remnants of field systems and date from at latest the Med period (S1)(S2).

Subsequent monitoring revealed 17 pits, of which 7 contained a significant Early Bronze Age and Iron Age pottery assemblage, 14 ditches and 3 post-holes (S3). The earliest phase of occupation on this site dates to the Early Bronze Age through a significant pottery assemblage although few features. The most important occupation period appears to date to the Iron Age with another significant pottery assemblage collected from 8 pits and a ditch. The pits have been interpreted as refuse pits. The next phase of activity is a series of linear features spread across the site. These may have a long date range as artefacts from a range of periods were recovered although many are likely to be residual. Most of the ditches are probably remnants of field systems (S3)

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 1999 (S4).