| Abstract: |
A programme of monitoring across the south of the quarry area (site MRM 145), took the form of 'strip, map and excavate'. Despite severe truncation caused by airfield landscaping and subsequent agricultural practices, a number of features were recorded including a scatter of Beaker period pits (Early Bronze Age), undated and recent ditches and a circular arrangement of posts, representing a WWII array for a mast or other structure. A similar 'strip, map and excavate' programme was undertaken across the north of the quarry area (site MRM 146; also known as the Moon and Sixpence site). Upstanding mounds and ring-ditches (probably prehistoric burial features) were located close to the western end of the site. The monitoring revealed prehistoric pits (Early Bronze and Early Iron Ages), an enclosure, a drove-way and field systems of Iron Age/Roman date. This site also revealed an unusual medieval sunken structure. Investigations have been undertaken in four separate phases:
• An extensive trenched evaluation (site reference MRM 140) was conducted across large areas to the south, south-west, north and north-east of the original central quarry area. Revealing only sparse numbers of archaeological features; the only concentrations (Iron Age and Roman) were encountered to the north (subsequently site MRM 146). A tumulus (a possible Bronze Age burial mound) was also investigated, although the evidence for prehistoric or funerary activity was very meagre.
• A building recording programme, examining WWII structures belonging to the original airfield (also MRM 140). A brick building, an octagonal base for a tower and a pill box were recorded. A thorough examination of associated graffiti was also made.
• A programme of monitoring across the south of the quarry area (site MRM 145), took the form of ‘strip, map and excavate’. Despite severe truncation caused by airfield landscaping and subsequent agricultural practices, a number of features were recorded including a scatter of Beaker period pits (Early Bronze Age), undated and recent ditches and a circular arrangement of posts, representing a WWII array for a mast or other structure.
• A similar ‘strip, map and excavate’ programme was undertaken across the north of the quarry area (site MRM 146; also known as the Moon and Sixpence site).
Upstanding mounds and ring-ditches (probably prehistoric burial features) were located close to the western end of the site. The monitoring revealed prehistoric pits Waldringfield Quarry, Martlesham, Suffolk: Archaeological Investigations 2008-2019 (Early Bronze Age and Early Iron Age), an enclosure, a drove-way and field systems of Iron Age/Roman date. This site also revealed an unusual medieval sunken structure. |
