Monument record ERL 246 - Possible Bronze Age Cremation, Roman and Saxon Field system and undated ditch at Car Park opposite Hospital, RAF Lakenheath

Evaluation identified a high density of archaeological features comrpising ditches representing a series of possible enclosures dating to the Late Iron Age or early Roman period. Dating evidence was sparse and the feature fills clean suggesting that they may have had an agricultural function. Although no evidence of the nearby Middle Saxon settlement was identified in the evaluation, the close proximity of this settlement (within 25m) makes it likely that at least some of the features belong to that phase of activity. The site had been formerly developed and some damage from modern activity was observed; however these results demonstrate that archaeological remains survive intact below the disturbed surface and that these have to potential to address research questions about the nature of Roman and Anglo-Saxon field systems and the relationship of the 'home fields' to the settlements. Further excavation of the development area will be required, although the scope of this will depend on construction levels (S1).

2017:excavation identified two field systems, one of Late Iron Age-Early Roman date and the other Middle Anglo-Saxon as well as a single unurned cremation burial, of possible Bronze Age date contianing an adult female. Settlement occupation of both periods has been identified at RAF Lakenheath and the ditches within the current site form part of a much wider area of activity. In both cases further examination alongside evidence from other sites has the potential to contribute to a better understanding of the development of agricultural systems from the late Prehistoric to early medieval periods. It is notable that both field systems respect similar alignments, but whilst Late Iron Age and early Roman occupation has been identified across c.300 ha, the Middle Saxon is restricted to c.25ha. It is also notable that despite the extensive area over which the earlier activity can be traced, it does not seem to extend east of the current site. This requires further investigation. Although on its own the cremation burial has limited potential it lies within the broad area and similar topographic location of dispersed Bronze Age burials. A radiocarbon date has been submitted, and the results are awaited (S2)(S3).