Monument record BSE 337 - Flood alleviation Scheme, Eastgate Street, Bury St Edmunds

Floodplain deposits encountered were of post-medieval date and consisted of dark silts rich in freshwater molluscs laid down by episodes of flooding and a narrow layer of peat probably representing an episode of bog generation. The deposits encountered adjacent to Eastgate Street revealed a succession of buildings fronting onto the street. Due to lack of dating these remain undated. However, an episode of land reclamation by the dumping of material on the floodplain deposits behind the street-frontage may be dated to the 15th-16th centuries. This reclamation may have taken place in the backyards of properties fronting onto Eastgate Street, the rear boundary of which is represented by a wall which may have been of a similar date. A roadside ditch was found running parallel with Eastgate Street just within the pub boundary. A charcoal rich deposit was noted on the surface of the natural gravel. A 19th -20th century brick culvert was also encountered (S1).