Monument record LCS 321 - OUTLINE RECORD: Creation of Wetland Habitat for Wildlife (Zone 16) Excavation Area B, Sizewell MDS, (CAS) EXC

Located to the S of the Minsmere saltmarsh, this site would have been close to tidal deposits before land reclamation during the medieval and subsequent periods. The archaeological stratigraphy and finds indicate key phases of activity in the Beaker (Early Bronze Age), Middle Iron Age, Roman and medieval to post-medieval periods. Three Beaker pit groups were located across the site with 29 pits and post-holes recorded. Beaker pottery, worked flint and charred hazelnut shells were recovered from these features, while some showed evidence of in situ burning. The Beaker pits could suggest episodic and transient occupation, possibly for seasonal exploitation of the local wetland habitat. Other prehistoric activity includes a horseshoe-shaped feature and a small ring-ditch with a central undated pit. Two roundhouse structures indicate habitation in the Middle Iron Age and were associated with post-holes, potential floor deposits and possible hearths. Two pit groups were contemporary and were associated with pottery and loom weight fragments. The Roman archaeology took the form of a saltern complex (manufacturing salt) and related ‘red hill’ deposits. The saltern comprised a hearth and a clay-lined settling tank. Briquetage fragments (broken up clay evaporation pans) were spread throughout the reddish soil, as was charcoal. Other possible red hills (spreads of briquetage/fired clay) are known in the area. The presence of the saltern shows that this area was at the high tide mark during the Roman period. Multiple enclosure and other boundary ditches are believed to be medieval to post-medieval in date. These probably marked the N limit of grazed farmland up against the Minsmere marsh. In the medieval period, the site lay between the first and second Leiston Abbey sites and was probably within the historic landholding of the abbey (S1).