Monument record TYY 068 - Neolithic, Bronze Age and medieval activity at Land South of Thurmans Lane, Trimley St Mary

2016: An archaeological evaluation revealed archaeological features in each trench, comprising linear ditches, pits and possible structural remains. Pottery from the features suggests a predominantly medieval date, with more intensive, settlement-related features located to the northeast of the evaluated area and later post-medieval ditches aligned southwest to northeast located to the west side of the field. The variable alignment of the multiple ditches indicates that there could be a prehistoric phase, possibly a Middle-Late Bronze Age field system also surviving across the site. A few sherds of residual Roman pottery indicate the potential for Roman activity in the vicinity although this material could have been redeposited through later cultivation. (S1)

2016: The excavation identified a range of remains dating from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and medieval periods. The earliest archaeological evidence consisted of a cluster of Early Neolithic pits containing what appear to be specially selected deposits of flintknapping waste and burnt flint accompanied by a diverse range of plant species dominated by goosefoot, thought to be a food source at this time. By the later Bronze Age, a track or droveway defined by two parallel ditches crossed the site. A number of small pits to the north and south of the trackway were also dated to this period, while ditches on perpendicular alignments are evidence for a coaxial field system or two similar-sized rectilinear enclosures on either side of the track. The excavation also revealed part of a medieval (predominantly 12th- to 14th-century) and later farmstead, probably a predecessor of the adjacent Mill Farm. The pottery from this period included high status imported wares and the range and type of vessels present clearly identify the farm as a successful dairy. A system of rectilinear ditches was recorded, which divided up this part of the landscape into a series of small infield enclosures close to the presumed core of the farmstead and larger fields further away from it. The infield, located on the high ground to the north of the site, included a post-built barn, posthole alignments that may have formed
stock pens and drafting races, an oven or other industrial feature of unusual design, a number of wells, one of which contained a complete Hollesley Ware jug, and the remnants of a rubbish heap or midden, the latter preserved in a slight dip in the ground. (S2)

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2016 (S3).