Archaeological Archives in Suffolk

Image: Complete Roman pot from Icklingham.

Pot

Suffolk County Council has collected the county’s archaeological archives since 1974. Many of our collections are of regional, national and international importance, including the archive from the Middle Saxon settlement at Brandon and those from the Roman small towns of Scole and Pakenham. We also have some of the older archives from the county, such as those generated by Lady Briscoe and Basil Brown.

We hold records from nearly 9,000 sites across the county of Suffolk.

These archives include:

  • Written excavation and post-excavation records
  • Drawings and maps
  • Photographs and slides
  • Artefacts (e.g pottery, stone, animal bone, human bone, metalwork)
  • Digital records

Collections Access and Enquires

The collections are safely catalogued in an archaeological store; while this does not have an exhibition space open for public viewing, we can facilitate access to our collections and offer the following services:

  • Free researcher access, by appointment only
  • Loans of artefacts to local museums
  • Provide material for finds handling workshops

We encourage the use of our archives and can accommodate most enquiries. Researcher access to our collections is free, on the condition we are provided a copy of any research reports/results to become part of our archives.

Our collections can be accessed during working hours Monday-Friday by appointment only.

For enquiries and appointments contact either Faye Minter Faye.Minter@suffolk.gov.uk or Julie Kennard Julie.Kennard@suffolk.gov.uk or call 01284 741230

 

Collections Access: External Loans and Research Guidance

detailed guidance and FAQs

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modern map of ipswich

Ipswich Archive 1974 - 1990

34 excavated sites in the historic town

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coloured plan drawing of roman villa by basil brown

Basil Brown Archives

a local archaeologist in the 1930s-1960s

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a Saxon garnet and gold brooch

Depositions and Loans

see guidance on the corporate website

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small iron age pot packed in archive box

From the Vaults

visit our blog for highlights from our archives

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