Monument record LCS 278 - OUTLINE RECORD: Prehistoric, Roman and Medieval features Area 1 and 2 Sizewell C (SGL) GEO (CAS) EVL

Archaeological evaluation as part of pre-planning investigation works for Sizewell C revealed activity on site dating to the prehistoric, Roman and medieval periods, as well as modern field boundaries. A cluster of pits and postholes (generally Late Bronze Age - Early Iron Age) were identified near the northern edge of the site on the edge of a ridgeline in the landscape overlooking the shallow river valley passing east-west just to the south of this area. This may be indicative of an area of habitation. Extensive medieval deposits were encountered, possibly related to internal deposits and footings within a small structure. An area of brick waste suggests that three tear-drop shaped signals identified on the geophysics are most likely to be brick kilns with rake-out holes. The brick fragments recovered from at least one of the trenches are of post-medieval date; they are similar in character to those visible in the walls of Leiston Abbey House and it is possible that this site may have been used to provide material for construction and/or repairs to the Abbey properties. A possible trackway indicated by a metalled surface and flanking ditches/gullies in one trench aligns with a possible anomaly noted on the geophysical survey; it potentially linked the ford/river crossing at Abbey Road on the northern edge of Leiston to the current Aldhurst Farm.
Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2019 (S1).