Monument record DUN 092 - Precinct Wall, Dunwich Greyfriars, Dunwich (FALL)

Monitoring of groundworks associated with the erection of rabbit fencing around the eastern and southern walls of the Greyfriars complex identified no archaeological features or artefacts (S1).

Trial-holes and underpinning trenches excavated through the footing of the precinct wall, to the north of the standing gateways, revealed a layered footing with a stony, sand and, locally, lime mortar rich, upper component that suggests two phases of footing construction which was remarkably consistent throughout. On balance, a post-medieval, late 17th-18th century date seems likely for the stretch of precinct wall running from the medieval gates around to the north-east corner of the precinct. Examination of the rubble from the fallen section of wall revealed an eclectic mix of stone, including flint cobbles, beach pebbles, exotic boulders (possibly ships ballast) and re-used building material. Diagnostic elements included 12th century Caen limestone mouldings that could be matched to the ruined Leper Chapel of St. James some 300 metres to the north-west (S2).

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2008 (S3).