Monument record IPS 497 - Holywells Park, Moated Enclosure, Ipswich, (IAS 9002).

2006: A trenched evaluation was proposed within this moated enclosure in advance of new play equipment being installed in the area. Long believed to be the site of the Ipswich residence of the bishops of Norwich, excavation showed that no substantial structure stood within the moat and that settlement within the moated area itself was unlikely. Documentary research by Anthony Breen has indicated that the bishops of Norwich were very infrequent visitors to Ipswich and that a large residence was doubtful. Rather than thinking in terms of a bishop's palace, it is more probable that the bishop's interests were served by his representative or bailiff who had a more modest dwelling. A quantity of pottery, tile and oyster shell of late medieval to early post-medieval date indicates nearby settlement during this period. Glazed and imported pottery and early rooftile might suggest that a high status dwelling could be within the vicinity. Local schools, youth organisations and community groups were invited to site and helped with the recovery of finds from selected layers and from the spoil heaps (S1). Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2006 (S5).

2007: Archaeological monitoring of desilting of the moat at Holywells Park revealed four bored elm tree trunks used as pipes totalling 12m, possibly for an ornimental fountain (S2).
See also IPS 063.

[letter, number] refers to mentions in the Suffolk Council Archaeological Service Ipswich Documentary Card index, (S6).
A366
Lords moat, 1651