NHER 58810 (Monument) - Middle Saxon settlement, medieval industrial features, and Roman finds

November-December 2012. Trial Trenching.
Excavation of four trial trenches recorded a high density of features dated to the Middle Saxon period and to the late 12th to 14th centuries.
The Middle Saxon features appear to have been focused in the western portion of the site. Two ditches and one pit have been firmly dated to this period, but other undated features may also relate to this activity. Although no structural remains from the Middle Saxon period were identified, the high quantity of finds within the excavated features indicates domestic occupation in the immediate vicinity. Middle Saxon finds include Ipswich ware, animal bone, and a copper alloy strap end.
The medieval activity appears to have been focused in the east and north of the site. Features firmly dated to this period include a pit likely associated with a structure as well as several other pits, ditches, and a likely field boundary. Although only seen in plan and therefore undated, the remains of a possible clay-lined oven are also likely associated with the medieval activity, which appears to have been more industrial in character. Finds from the medieval features include a small quantity of glass-working debris and it has been suggested that the site may be associated with a medieval construction phase of St Mary’s Church (NHER 7091).
One sherd of Roman pottery and several fragments of possible Roman tile were also recovered.
See report (S1) for further information.
The archive associated with this work has been deposited with the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 2017.166).
H. Hamilton (HES), 10 May 2013. Amended by P. Watkins (HES), 18 May 2019.