Medieval field system north-west of Sturmer barrow (EHER 16782)

An evaluation by Suffolk Archaeological Unit found a group of ditches to the north-west of the barrow.

An evaluation by Suffolk Archaeological Unit found a group of ditches to the north-west of the barrow. One sherd of early medieval pottery was recovered from these. Close to the road (A604) there is a 50cm deep layer of clay, possibly a colluvium in which was found late 12th to early 13th century pottery and one sherd of late Iron Age pottery. This layer was only removed in a limited area revealing a ditch but it demonstrated that at least one feature exists close to the road frontage. There is no evidence to suggest that there had been further barrows in the evaluation area. <1> Excavations following the evaluation revealed three phases of layout of an early medieval ditch system. The excavations showed that the early medieval features and the majority of features identified during the excavation survived below the colluvial deposit. A total of 490 sherds (Wt. 3.75Kg) of medieval pottery was recovered from the site, predominantly 13th century in date, although also containing a small amount of mid to late 12th century. Some post-medieval pottery was present, but not enough to suggest activity at this time. A single sherd of Late iron Age pottery within one ditch may be residual or may indicate that there is another field system pre-dating the medieval one. <2> Excavation following the evaluation, confirmed the existence of a medieval field system, found to be of three phases. No medieval structures were located. A series of shallow post holes or pads, of post medieval date represented the only structural evidence; it may have been a temporary agricultural structure. Although no evidence was recovered for any medieval buildings or structures, the amount of pottery recovered from features suggests that the early medieval settlement was somewhere in the immediate vicinity. If the medieval settlement was situated on the medieval road frontage, between the north eastern limits of the excavation area and the present A604, the construction of a high pressure sewer which prevented excavation in this area would have resulted in extensive damage to any archaeological features associated with a settlement. <3>