Monument record GSG 052 - Land South of Thornham Road, Gislingham

2014: A magnetometer survey located a number of very weakly positive linear anomalies, and although it is possible that they relate to cut features, their weak response and lack of coherent morphology prevent confident interpretation. Several discrete positive responses within the field appear to relate to pit-like features that may be anthropogenic in origin. The locations of two relatively recently removed field boundaries can also be seen within the results, as can zones of magnetic debris which may relate to dumped magnetically thermoremnant material around the field margins. (S1)

2017: Evaluation identified below-ground archaeological remains comprised of ditches, pits and postholes. Early/Middle Saxon pits and postholes were identified and they contained a range of cultural debris, including 22 sherds of pottery, which may suggest dispersed domestic occupation in the vicinity. A small, iron whittle tanged knife was recovered from one of the pits, the knife appears to be complete (L80mm) it could be of early Post medieval date or earlier date possibly contempory with the Early/Middle Saxon pottery. Further undated features are likely to be associated with this activity. A few medieval remains were also found, including 8 sherds of pottery 1 of which is Early Medieval Sandy Ware 11-13th century, which the other 7 are all from the same vessel but are abraded and fragmented. There is also an undated ditches that may also be of a similar date. Post medieval ditches are present that relate to agricultural land us activity and indicate boundary loss during the 20th century. A Post medieval white alloy tube fragment and an iron nail were also recovered. Other finds include 16 pieces of Prehistoric struck flint mainly representing knapping waste, 4 sherds of Roman pottery of typical early Roman sandy black-surfaced fabric. Environmental samples identified cereal grains (S2)

Included in the Proceedings of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History annual round up of individual finds and discoveries for 2017 (S3).