Monument record IPS 479 - 11-15 Great Colman Street, Ipswich, (IAS 1005).

2005: A trial trench evaluation was carried out at the above site in advance of a residential development. A single trench was excavated. Evidence of nearby Middle and Late Saxon activity was found in the form of residually derived Ipswich ware and Thetford-type ware pottery. Sparse Early medieval deposits were recorded but their exposure was too limited for detailed interpretation. A substantial dump deposit of redeposited sands and gravels was interpreted as being associated with the AD 1204 town ditch, but it remains unclear whether it was derived from the initial construction of the ditch and rampart or during later maintenance or levelling. Documentary evidence dating from at least the mid 14th century indicates that grants of land were given abutting the defences that stipulated maintenance of the ditch. Two substantial 'garden soil' deposits of Late medieval and 17th century date concur with the documentary evidence which suggests that the site was then under formal gardens (of a property known for some time as Harbottle House) until well into the 19th century. Great Colman Street itself was laid out in 1821 and later features attest to 19th and 20th century occupation along its frontage. It is suggested that the site could have seen relatively little occupation other than being used as urban gardens or agricultural land from possibly as early as the Middle Saxon period until late in the 19th century (S1).

See also (S2, S3).


Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2005 (S4)