Monument record ERL 236 - Roman pits and ditches, Saxon ditch and prehistoric finds at Rochester Road Soakaway, RAF Lakenheath, Eriswell

2014: Excavations at the waterworks has revealed a well-preserved sequence of features, finds and other deposits dated to the Mesolithic-early Neolithic, later prehistoric and early Roman to Middle Saxon periods. The earlier prehistoric material consists of struct flinds, indicative of low levels of occupation in the area. The later prehistoric finds also suggest limited occupation in the area. The Roman occupation consists of a number of pits, a posthole and ditches. The ditches probably represent field systems as well as drainage, while the pits may hint at a continuation of Iron Age traditions which have been recorded elsewhere on the base. Such ditches are found widely across the airbase, funcioning as property boundaries, stock enclosures and drainage features and are typical of Late Iron Age and Roman occupation in the area. The lastest Roman or Early Saxon activity features consist of a possible palisade fence/beam slot and two ditches. The excavation also revealed early to middle saxon finds and an associated layer which is evidence of more intensive settlement in this area. The number of pottery sherds recovered demonstrated a relatively significant level of occupation (S1).