Monument record SNP 095 - Probable Medieval drainage system on Land at Abbey Farm

Assessment of aerial photographs did not identify definite archaeological features however a number of features of interest were identified comprising a possible channel which may have been a former course of the River Alde, an apparent embanked feature occupying high Ground, an old quarry which may have been contemporary with the building, small areas of Possible lazy beds, field divisions and the track of a railway which was dismantled in the 1960s (S1).

Desk based assessment for the RSPB on the land at Abbey Farm . The proposed development area is situated on the flood plain between the northern side of the River Alde and mainly to the west of the Fromus River. Such a topographically favourable situation will have a moderate to high potential for archaeological material from most periods. Of special note is the site of the Benedictine Priory of St Mary and the possible associated buildings that may include a watermill and a dock/wharf. The whole PDA has the potential for the discovery of waterlogged and palaeo-environmental material. The landscape as a whole is probably of medieval date, at which time the land was reclaimed with the use of sea walls and drainage ditches and became grass pasture (S2).