Recent excavations in Hadleigh show 4000 years of occupation

Many of you might have seen (or at least heard about) an archaeological dig that has been taking place on the field next to the Buyright store. Although the full report on the dig will not be out for some time (a year maybe) I was lucky enough to be given a tour of the site by the archaeologist in charge. This was quite early-on in the work, but since my tour it seems that a lot more interesting discoveries and finds have been made.

Before the dig began, there were clear indications that the field contained interesting features. Most noticeable (from the aerial photographs) were the two circular marks that suggested the presence of Bronze Age burials. These had begun to be dug before my visit, and I was shown what was believed to be the remains of a cremation urn. Further investigation revealed several such urns, some upturned and with cremated remains underneath. These are believed to be about 3500 to 4000 years old. A full analysis and dating is underway and will, no doubt, be included in the final dig report that will be published by the Suffolk County Archaeological Service.

I was also shown what were believed to be a Saxon burial. Again later work has discovered four of these interments, apparently, a mix of Christian and pagan. The items found in the graves are currently being conserved and recorded by archaeologists in Bury St Edmunds.

At the time of my visit, most of the excitement was about a series of post-holes that indicated the position of a long-lost wooden building. I was told that it appeared to be medieval but that there were bits "missing" and that was making it difficult to draw many conclusions. Hopefully the later and off-site work will throw a bit more light on this.

However there can be little doubt now that there have been people living in the Hadleigh area for about 4000 years. Makes you think, doesn't it ? I for one am looking forward to the final report and (perhaps) the opportunity to see the artefacts recovered. Wouldn't it be nice to see these on public exhibition in the town ?