Monument record FLN 061 - Flixton Park Quarry, New Phase 11 and a small part of New Phase 12 (Anglo-Saxon) (Sax)

Excavation identified, seven SFBs, six Hall buildings and a further 6 unidentified buildings, ditches, pits, postholes and a possible shrine enclosure (S1).
A total of twenty buildings was recorded which, with a certain amount of variation, could be assigned to one of three main types, all of which are represented at the other two excavated major Early Anglo-Saxon settlement sites in Suffolk – West Stow and Carlton Colville (Bloodmoor Hill). Possibly the most significant were the rectangular post-holed structures that were described as ‘halls’ at West Stow (West 1985). Six of these were recorded and were characterised by a rectangular shape, closely spaced post-holes, weak corners and (usually) internal post-holes that may have supported a second storey or raised platform. Four of these ‘halls’ exhibited uniform dimensions, measuring c.9m x 4m, one was smaller, measuring c.7m x 3.5m, while one was larger, measuring c.13m x 5m. However, the most numerous buildings were of the sunken-featured type (SFBs). There were eight in all: six with two post-holes, one at each end; one with six post-holes, arranged down the longer sides; and one with no post-holes. All were approximately 4m in length, with widths varying between 2 and 3m. Depths varied between c.0.1m and c.0.6m. The third type of building, of which there were five, were also constructed from earth-fast posts, but were significantly different in character to the more formal ‘halls’. Generally, these structures were smaller and squarer, commonly measuring c.5m x 5m. The post-holes were not as closely spaced and the overall ground-plan was often less well defined than that of the ‘halls’. One similarity, however, was the weak corners that were present in most examples. One other building was recorded that has not been assigned to any of the main categories, as it exhibited structural elements of all three. The building measured c.4m x 3m, with two large post-holes at each end (similar to the SFBs) and two lines of relatively widely spaced post-holes arranged down each side in two shallow slots. In addition, the majority of the area enclosed by the post-holes formed a shallow irregular depression (S2).
The small square enclosure measured approximately 9m x 9m and overlay, but respected, an existing ditched boundary. The ditch itself, was continuous, c.1m wide, with a maximum depth of c.0.6m and a gently rounded bottom. The area confined by the ditch was heavily disturbed by tree-holes. However, when the natural disturbances were removed, a large circular pit, 2m in diameter, was revealed with a c.1m square cut in its base and an overall depth of c.1m. Lying on a ledge above the square cut was a single line of flint cobbles. It seems likely that the square cut would have been associated with some form of lining, although no evidence for this survived. The upper fill contained a number of iron nails and a few sherds of pottery. The function of the enclosure and the internal feature remains unclear although its close proximity with the largest of the ‘hall-type’ buildings and four of the smaller post-holed structures may be significant (S2).
Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2001 (S3).