Medieval ditch and post-medieval features at Henderson Road, Thorpe-le-Soken (EHER 80824)

Medieval pottery was recovered from a ditch, although it may have been residual. This area lies adjacent to a site where previous investigations identified medieval activity, made evident by numerous quarry pits which contained artefacts dating from the 11th to the 14th century suggesting inhabitation nearby. Three features dating to the post-medieval or modern periods, a pit, a tree throw and a pit or tree throw, were also uncovered.

December 2022. Trial trenching. A second phase of activity took place during the 11th to the early 13th century. A single small sherd of pottery dating to this period was recovered from a ditch, at the northern end of the site. This area lies adjacent to a site where previous investigations identified medieval activity, made evident by numerous quarry pits which contained artefacts dating from the 11th to the 14th century suggesting inhabitation nearby. It is possible that the ditch forms part of the complex of medieval remains uncovered in the area, although it does not correspond with any features recorded during earlier excavations, and it is instead more likely that the pottery sherd was residual. Three features dating to the post-medieval or modern periods, a pit, a tree throw and a pit or tree throw, were also uncovered. Historical cartography compiled in the late 19th century depicts this area lying within a field system, and it is likely that these features relate to agricultural activities. <1>