Monument record BCC 066 - An extensive flood defence bank of probable post-medieval construction.

An extensive flood defence bank of probable post-medieval construction is visible on aerial photographs as an earthwork extending eastwards on the south bank of the River Waveney from Beccles at circa TM 420912. The flood bank is probably the final stage in a process of land reclamation, drainage and water management which may have begun in this area in the medieval period. Several relict banks which may intersect with this bank can be seen to the south on Beccles marshes, Castle marsh and Share marsh, reminders of the progressive reclamation which transformed the marshes to agricultural use (see BCC 063, BCC 067, NHC 021-022, BNB 008, CAC 038-039). Due to gaps in visibility due to vegetation cover and possible erosion of the bank, this feature has been recorded in two sections. The eastern length is recorded in CAC 038. (S1-S5)