Archaeological Evaluation: Land to the south of Norton Road, Thurston, Suffolk

The evaluation of the 11ha site recorded archaeological remains within twenty-two of the fifty-six trenches investigated. These comprise a low density and low complexity of ditches and pits scattered across the site, with concentrations of remains found in the central and eastern parts of the site but with little spatial patterning evident for most. Prehistoric flintwork and pottery are suggestive of a prehistoric presence at the site, which correlates to other small-scale occupation evidence and isolated artefacts found within the vicinity of the site. A number of undated pits were interpreted as possible hearths/cooking pits. Although undated, the recovery of fired clay and fire-cracked flint may provide further evidence of prehistoric occupation at the site. The remains of a medieval refuse pit are indicative of settlement occupation within the vicinity of the site, although no direct evidence for buildings was encountered. The recording of post-medieval ditches that directly correspond with those depicted on early and mid 19th-century maps demonstrates the agricultural land use of the site during this period.