Monument record IPS 469 - Albion Wharf, Ipswich, (IAS 6406).

Please read our .

Summary

Evaluation identified complex well-stratified multi-period deposits, including a medieval pier, wall and cobbled surface and reclamation activity and two post medieval wells.

Location

Grid reference Centred TM 6166 2441 (118m by 56m) (3 map features)
Map sheet TM62SW
Civil Parish IPSWICH, IPSWICH, SUFFOLK

Map

Type and Period (7)

Full Description

2004: Desk based assessment, (S1).

2005: Two trenches were excavated. Complex well-stratified multi-period deposits were recorded in the western part of the site, beginning at just 0.5m below the existing ground surface. These included two post-medieval wells, a single length of late medieval/early post-medieval septaria built wall and the remains of a possible cobbled surface of 13th-14th century date. A substantial amount of dumping and reclamation activity (principally dating to the 13th/14th centuries) was also recorded in this part of the site. In the eastern part of the site a substantial (at least 19 piles) wooden structure was recorded in unexpectedly deep 'river mud' deposits. This has been interpreted as a probable pier or jetty-type structure within an inlet of some kind that was previously unknown. Its date was extremely difficult to determine but the balance of evidence suggests that it was late medieval. An earlier peat deposit (0.75m thick) was also recorded, but could not be dated. Definite natural subsoil was not located in this eastern part of the site at -0.9m AOD, which was c. 1.5m deeper than anticipated. All the archaeological deposits encountered were well preserved, largely untruncated and quite shallow, lying immediately beneath the extant slab. Consequently, a programme of open area excavation was recommended in a band c. 25m wide parallel to the Key Street frontage, with archaeological monitoring recommended elsewhere further out into the former river channel (S2).

See also (S3, S4).

Post 2005: Excavation plans and mapinfo on record. Report waiting, assumed because of funding issues.

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2005 (S5).

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <S1> Unpublished document: Gardner, R. 2004. Desk Based Assessment, Albion Wharf (Land Between Key Street and Star Lane), Ipswich.
  • <S2> Unpublished document: Gardner, R. 2005. Archaeological Evaluation Report, Albion Wharf Evaluation, Ipswich.
  • <S3> Article in serial: Martin, E.A., Pendleton, C. & Plouviez, J.. 2005. Archaeology in Suffolk 2004. XXXXI (1).
  • <S4> Article in serial: Martin, E.A., Pendleton, C. & Plouviez, J.. 2006. Archaeology in Suffolk 2005. XXXXI (2).
  • <S5> Article in serial: Martin, E.A., Pendleton, C. & Plouviez, J.. 2006. Archaeology in Suffolk 2005. XXXXI (2).

Finds (16)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (4)

Related Events/Activities (4)

Record last edited

Jul 29 2024 12:47PM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.