Archaeological Test Pit Excavations in Garboldisham, Norfolk, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

Archaeological test pit excavations in Garboldisham, Norfolk, 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

Catherine Collins

2019

Access Cambridge Archaeology Department of Archaeology University of Cambridge Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3ER

01223 761519

[email protected]

http://www.access.arch.cam.ac.uk/

1 Introduction

A total of 44 1m2 archaeological test pits were excavated over a four-year period between 2011 and 2014 in the village of Garboldisham in south Norfolk, as part of the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA) and run by Access Cambridge Archaeology (ACA) out of the University of Cambridge.

Garboldisham is today a small nucleated village about nine miles east of Thetford, straddling the present A1066 main road from Thetford to Diss. Garboldisham contains two churches: one in the north of the village, the former church of All Saints, disused since the 18th century, is ruinous with only part of the tower still upstanding, while the existing parish church of St John the Baptist lies 250m to the south. Garboldisham is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as ‘Gerbodesham’ and is an Old English name meaning ‘Gaerbald’s homestead or village’. The manor at that time was held by King William I and a vill called ‘Wica’ was also in existence within Garboldisham parish, and held by Hugh of Montfort.

Settlement at Garboldisham is today mostly arranged along three streets: Back Street, which runs north-south to the west of the remains of All Saints church; Church Road, which joins the southern end of Back Street and runs south-east to the A1066; and Hopton Road, which continues in a southerly direction south of the A1066. In addition, Water Lane runs east from a point midway along Back Lane to join Manor Road, forming the basis for a gridded arrangement of lanes, most of which have no evidence for settlement alongside. Settlement in the surrounding area is thinly spread and scattered in a predominantly dispersed pattern, with a large area of common land surviving immediately south of Garboldisham village. To the north of the present village core, settlement continues sporadically along Manor Road towards the next parish of Harling, with Garboldisham Manor identifiable as a separate hamlet/manorial site. Despite the irregular form of the settlements, there is a rectilinear regularity to the arrangement of fields, lanes and footpaths which hints at a regularly planned landscape.

1.1 Access Cambridge Archaeology

Access Cambridge Archaeology (ACA) (http://www.access.arch.cam.ac.uk/) is an archaeological outreach organisation based in the Department of Archaeology in the University of Cambridge, which aims to enhance economic, social and personal well-being through active engagement with archaeology. It was set up in 2004 and specialises in providing opportunities for members of the public to take part in purposeful, research- orientated archaeological investigations including excavation. Educational events and courses range in length from a few hours to a week or more and involve members of the public of all ages.

Since 2015, ACA has been managed by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit (CAU) and thus have been able to work more closely with the unit to deliver outreach programmes such as the community excavations at Peterborough Cathedral in 2016, community test pitting activities in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The ACA and CAU collaboration has also enabled the continuation of the education outreach projects that involve work with both primary and secondary school pupils.

1.2 The Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA)

The Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA) programme aims to raise the aspirations, enthusiasm and attainment of 14-17 year-olds with regard to higher education by making a valuable contribution to current academic research at the University of Cambridge. The three- day learning-extension course has been run by Access Cambridge Archaeology (ACA) since 2005, aimed at UK students in state schools years 9, 10 and 12.

On HEFA, participants spend two days running their own small (1m2) archaeological excavation within living villages, with the aim of applying and developing a wide range of learning skills, boosting their academic confidence and giving them a taste of life and learning at university level. They make new discoveries for and about themselves, and, in the process, contribute to the university's currently occupied rural settlement (CORS) research into the development of rural communities and settlements in the past. The third day is spent in the University of Cambridge analysing the excavation results in discursive learning sessions which aim to engage and challenge participants, prepare them to produce a written analysis for assessment as well as provide an inspirational and positive experience of higher education. After the field academy, learners receive detailed individual feedback on their data collection, personal, learning and thinking skills developed during the fieldwork as well as their reporting and research skills exhibited in the written assignment, which will support applications to further and higher education.

2 Methodology

The four years of test pitting in Garboldisham was organised by ACA in conjunction with the Garboldisham Local History Society. The excavation and records followed the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA), instruction handbook and recording booklet.

The test pit digging takes place over two days, which begins with an initial talk explaining the aims of the excavation, the procedures used in digging and recording the test pit and the correct and safe use of equipment. Participants are then divided into teams of three or four individuals, and each team is provided with a complete set of test pit excavation equipment, copies of the instruction handbook and a record booklet to enter excavation data into.

The test pits were all 1m2 and the turf, if present, was removed in neat squares by hand. Each test pit was excavated in a series of 10cm spits or contexts, to a maximum depth of 1.2m. The horizontal surface of each context/spit was then drawn at 1:10 scale before excavation, a photograph taken and the colour of the soil recorded with reference to a standardised colour chart. A pro-forma recording system was used by participants to record their test pit excavation. This comprised a 16-page Test Pit Record booklet which was developed by ACA for use by people with no previous archaeological experience. Each pit and context is described and noted using the site code GAR/year, so GAR/11 for 2011, GAR/12 for 2012, GAR/13 for 2013 and GAR/14 for 2014.

During the excavation, 100% of the spoil is sieved through a 10mm mesh (with the occasional exception of very heavy clay soils which have to be hand-searched). All artefacts are retained, cleaned and bagged by context. Cut and built features are planned at 1:10 and excavated sequentially with latest deposits removed first. Pottery and most other finds are identified promptly by archaeological experts on site who visit the test pits regularly providing advice and checking that the excavation is being carried out and recorded to the required standard. Test pits are excavated down to natural or the maximum safe depth of 1.2m, whichever is encountered first. A minority of test pits will stop on encountering a feature, (ancient or modern) which archaeological staff deem inadvisable or impossible to remove, and occasionally excavation may cease at a level above natural due to time constraints. On completion of each test pit excavation, all four sections are drawn at 1:10 along with the unexcavated base of the test pit prior to backfilling by hand and the turf replaced neatly to restore the site.

After the two days of excavation are completed, the archaeological records and finds (all of which are kept and cleaned on site) are retained by ACA at the University of Cambridge for analysis, reporting, archiving and submission to HER’s, publication and ongoing research into the origins and development of rural settlement. Ownership of objects rests in the first instance with the landowner, except where other law overrides this (e.g. Treasure Act 1996, 2006, Burials Act 1857). ACA retain all finds in the short term for analysis and ideally also in the longer term in order that the excavation archives will be as complete as possible, but any requests to return finds to owners will be agreed.

3 Results from the test pitting in Garboldisham

The approximate locations of the 44 test pits excavated in Garboldisham between March 2011 and May 2014 can be seen in figure 1 below (please note that the test pits are not to scale). By year this breaks down to 12 pits excavated in 2011, 11 pits in 2012, 11 in 2013 and 10 test pits excavated in 2014 as part of the University of Cambridge’s HEFA programme.

The data from each test pit is discussed in this section and set out in numerical order and by year. Most excavation was in spits measuring 10cm in depth, but in cases when a change in the character of deposits indicated a change in context, a new spit was started before 10cm.

Figure 1: Location map of all the Garboldisham test pits. Yellow is 2011, blue is 2012, green is 2013 and red is 2014 (NB test pits not to scale) © Crown Copyright/database right 2019. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service 1: 20,000

3.1 2011 Test Pits (site code GAR/11)

The 2011 test pit excavations in Garboldisham were undertaken over the 16th and 17th of March, when a total of 12 1m2 archaeological test pits were excavated by 39 Year 9, Year 10 and Year 12 pupils from Aylsham High School, Bungay High School, Diss High School, Fakenham High School and The Open Academy (school names correct at time of participation). Pupils from Garboldisham Primary School also excavated a single test pit, by the church and were excavated as part of the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA), run by ACA and funded by AimHigher Norfolk, English Heritage and the Cambridge Admissions Office out of the University of Cambridge.

The excavations were directed by Carenza Lewis, with onsite supervision by Catherine Collins, Clemency Cooper, Sarah Jordan, Jennifer French and Paul Blinkhorn, who also analysed the pottery. Half of the test pits excavated in Garboldisham in 2011 were sited to the north of the main road (A1066) and the other half sited to its south and were found by Pauline Hinton of the Garboldisham Local History Society.

+ Figure 2: Garboldisham 2011 test pit location map (NB test pits not to scale) © Crown Copyright/database right 2019. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service 1: 5,000

Test Pit one (GAR/11/1)

Test pit one was excavated close to the rear of a probable 19th century thatched cottage set in the far north of the village and adjacent to the old Hall lands to the north east (The Old Hall Cottage, 93 Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 600312 282118).

Test pit one was excavated to a depth of 0.7m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/11/1 dates to the post medieval with a number of sherds of Glazed Red Earthenware Figure 3: Location map of GAR/11/1 found through the test pit with Delft Ware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares. A small number of earlier sherds were also identified, including Late Saxon Thetford Ware, medieval Grimston Ware, Late Medieval Ware and German Stoneware that were generally mixed through the lower half of the test pit.

THET GRIM LMT GS GRE DW SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 1 1 1 5 2 4 1550-1900 1 2 1 1 5 11 23 70 1450-1900 1 3 1 29 1 4 1 1 4 62 1 6 2 12 5 18 900-1900 1 4 1 5 2 8 1 3 1500-1700 1 5 2 6 1 1 2 5 1550-1750 1 6 1 5 1 4 5 57 900-1750 Table 1: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/1

The Late Anglo-Saxon pottery excavated from the test pits along Back Street suggest that there was a concentration of activity in the village at that time, which also continued through the medieval period as the village expanded. The pottery also indicates that there was continuous occupation on site, with the inhabitants during the 17th century being perhaps above average wealth, as the sherds of Delft Ware are quite rare finds in rural villages. A mix of finds have also been recovered with later pottery types, suggesting a great deal of disturbance is also evident on site. The finds consist of coal, clay pipe, ceramic building material (CBM), mortar, tile, glass, oyster shell, iron nails, pieces of scrap metal and possible worked flint flakes that may be later prehistoric in date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit two (GAR/11/2)

Test pit two was excavated on slightly higher ground towards the western boundary of a 16th century barn, which is set along the main road towards the far north of the village (The Barn House, Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 600292 282048).

Test pit two was excavated to a depth of 0.7m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded Figure 4: Layout of GAR/11/2 and backfilled.

A single sherd of Early Medieval Sandy Ware pottery was excavated from the lower contexts of GAR/11/2 that was mixed in with post medieval and later wares. These consist of Glazed Red Earthenware, Staffordshire Slipware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares which were mixed through the depth of the test pit.

EMW GRE SS SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 2 2 2 26 1 1 1550-1900 2 3 3 11 1800-1900 2 4 1 1 1550-1600 2 5 1 2 5 28 2 12 1 3 3 16 1050-1900 2 6 2 22 1 2 2 3 1550-1900 Table 2: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/2

There is evidence for very limited activity on site prior to the construction of the barn during the 16th century, before which the site may have been open fields during the medieval period. A cobble surface was identified at c.0.35m in depth and is a likely yard surface related to agricultural activities around the barn. A mix of finds were also excavated from the test pit, suggesting a great deal of disturbance is also evident on site. These consist of metal wire, CBM, modern CBM, a 10 pence coin dated 1974, a 10 pence coin dated 1976, a five pence coin dated 1968, asbestos, modern screws, plaster/mortar, CBM, tile, clay pipe, concrete, glass, pieces of tarmac, iron nails and bolts, a metal bracket, concrete, coal, a metal valve and pieces of scrap metal. The presence of both burnt stone and flint flakes may also indicate later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit three (GAR/11/3)

Test pit three was excavated in a small orchard along the main road and in front of a late 15th century Grade II* Listed house set in the north of the village (Jacques, Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 600338 281973).

Test pit three was excavated to a depth of 0.6m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Single sherds of Bronze Age and Early Anglo Saxon pottery were both excavated from GAR/11/3 and were mixed in with a slightly larger number of late Saxon Thetford Ware and St Neots Ware sherds. Single sherds of Early Medieval Sandy Ware, Late Medieval Ware and post medieval Glazed Red Earthenware were Figure 5: Location map of GAR/11/3 also all recovered from the upper half of test pit three.

BA EMS THET SN EMW LMT GRE TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 3 1 1 7 1500-1600 3 3 1 2 1 4 450-1600 3 4 3 16 2 2 1 1 900-1200 3 6 1 4 1 4 1200BC-1050 Table 3: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/3

The single piece of Bronze Age pottery is the first prehistoric pottery excavated from test pits in Garboldisham and with the presence of both a flint flake and a possible flint core, Bronze Age settlement close to site is highly likely. This test pit also yielded the only sherd of Early Anglo Saxon pottery from all the test pits so far excavated in the village, suggesting that there was a focus of occupation on site at that time and again during the Late Saxon as a concentration around Back Street. The limited medieval and post medieval pottery and the lack of finds that were also identified suggests that the site to the front of the house was not really used to deposit rubbish from the house, most likely to the rear of the property. The finds consist of coal, CBM, tile, an L shaped bolt, iron nails, slate and pieces of scrap metal.

Test Pit four (GAR/11/4)

Test pit four was excavated in an area of ‘rough’ open garden to the far east of an early 20th century house (The Maltings, Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 600425 281783).

Test pit four was excavated to a depth of 0.5m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Two sherds of Roman Grey Ware were recovered mixed through GAR/11/4 with a number of Late Saxon Thetford Ware sherds. A small amount of medieval pottery was also identified, mainly in the lower contexts of the test pit with Early Medieval Sandy Ware, Grimston Ware and Late Medieval Ware all excavated. A large number of post medieval wares were also recovered and consist of Glazed Red Earthenware, English Stoneware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares, which was excavated from every context.

RB THET EMW GRIM LMT GRE EST SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 4 1 1 5 1 3 1 1 4 26 100-1900 4 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 8 900-1900 4 3 2 4 2 3 1 1 7 15 900-1900 4 4 1 2 1 1 1 2 4 18 100-1900 4 5 1 4 1 14 1 1 1 1 1 8 2 12 900-1900 Table 4: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/4

The test pit was sited close to a north-south path that runs just to the east of the property and connects the two churches of St John the Baptist, which is still in use, and the ruin of All Saints church. The constant low level medieval and post medieval activity from GAR/11/4 suggests that the land between the two churches has been continually occupied, perhaps even from the later Saxon period in the 10th century. A change of land use is evident into the 19th century, perhaps separated into a garden or allotment for the current house or for an earlier cottage. The presence of Roman activity here and to the south of St John the Baptist church, suggests potential Romano-British agricultural activity along the west of the river that runs north – south through the village. A range of finds were excavated through the test pit, but suggesting a lot of later 19th and 20th century disturbance. The finds found consist of CBM, U shaped metal tacks, coal, fragments of concrete, modern screws, mortar, pieces of scrap metal, iron nails and bolts, plastic wrappers, clay pipe, a metal knob/handle, metal wire, glass, pieces of foil, fragments of plastic and a small piece of slag, suggestive of metal working on or close to site. The presence of burnt stone may also suggest late prehistoric activity in date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

Test Pit five (GAR/11/5)

Test pit five was excavated in the northwest corner of an open grassed field between the church boundary to the west and the river to the east, and adjacent to the main road (Field east of church, Church Road, Garboldisham. TM 600472 281612).

Test pit five was excavated to a depth of 0.63m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A small amount of pottery was excavated from the upper contexts of GAR/11/5, consisting of post medieval Glazed Red Earthenware and Staffordshire Manganese Ware with a single small sherd of 19th century ‘Victorian’ ware pot.

Figure 6: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/5 GRE SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 5 2 1 18 1 9 1 3 1550-1900 5 3 1 14 1550-1600 Table 5: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/5

A possible surface was identified in GAR/11/5 from c.0.3m, consisting of fragments of brick and flint nodules mixed in with sand and clay and appeared quite rough in appearance (figure 7), suggesting that it could have been a possible trackway next to the church or a yard surface from a potential earlier farm sited on the land. Given the proximity of the surface to the river that runs through the village, it is possible that this land was prone to flooding and hardcore was laid down in order to stabilise the ground. With only 16th century and later pottery recovered it seems likely that the surface dates to the post medieval. A small amount of finds were also recovered, consisting of CBM, glass, tile, clay pipe, iron nails, oyster shell and fragments of mortar. The presence of both worked flint and burnt stone were also identified and may be later prehistoric in date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Figure 7: The top of the floor surface identified from GAR/11/5 © ACA

Test Pit six (GAR/11/6)

Test pit six was excavated in the rear garden of a modern house, close to the edge of the patio. The house is set immediately east of the rear property boundaries to houses fronting the main north- south road through the village (5 Elm Grove, Garboldisham. TM 600618 281414).

Test pit six was excavated to a depth of 0.6m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/11/6 dates to the 16th century and after, consisting of Glazed Red Earthenware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and English Stoneware with a number of sherds of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares which were also recovered mixed through the test pit. A single Figure 8: Location map of GAR/11/6 small sherd of Early Medieval Sandy Ware was also identified from context two.

EMW GRE SMW EST VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 6 1 1 1 1800-1900 6 2 1 2 2 4 2 5 1050-1750 6 3 1 28 1 7 1550-1900 6 4 1 5 1 3 3 13 1550-1900 6 5 1 1 1 10 2 12 1550-1900 6 6 2 14 1550-1600 Table 6: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/6

The single sherd of medieval pottery that was excavated from GAR/11/6 suggests that this area of the village, away from both the church and the river was only marginally utilised, most likely as open fields. From the 16th century onwards however there seems to be more intense activity on site, potentially due to a drovers way, which from oral history in the village, is said to have run adjacent to the current house. Later disturbances are evident on site, particularly during the 19th century and later when the current housing estate was built. A mix of finds were also recovered, consisting of fragments of plastic, glass, CBM, iron nails, glass, coal, iron nails, clay pipe, tile and three pieces of possible slag, suggestive of metal working on or close to site. Potential worked flint flakes were also found that may also be later prehistoric in date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit seven (GAR/11/7)

Test pit seven was excavated in the flower bed along the northern boundary of a probable 19th century cottage set back from the main road, close to the centre of the village (The Old Bakery, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 600580 281508).

Test pit seven was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/11/7 dates to Figure 9: Location map of GAR/11/7 the 16th century and later with small amounts of Glazed Red Earthenware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and English Stoneware all found mixed through the test pit with a number of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

GRE SMW EST VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 7 1 1 12 1800-1900 7 2 1 3 4 10 1680-1900 7 3 1 24 12 20 1680-1900 7 4 9 14 1800-1900 7 5 1 1 1800-1900 7 6 1 1 1680-1750 7 7 1 2 1550-1600 7 8 1 1 1800-1900 Table 7: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/7

Despite the location of the test pit along the main road through the village, the results from GAR/11/7 suggest that there was low level activity on site from the 16th century and it was not until the 19th century that on site occupation is evident. A great deal of 19th century and later disturbances are also apparent, likely relating to the later developments and changes of the village, given the mix of finds excavated through the test pit. These consist of fragments of concrete, clay pipe, modern tile, glass, CBM, tile, oyster shell, iron nails and pieces of mortar and plaster. The presence of possible worked flints towards the base of the test pit may also indicate the presence of later prehistoric activity on or close to site.

Test Pit eight (GAR/11/8)

Test pit eight was excavated in the large rear garden of a Grade II listed early 19th century house set back slightly from the main north- south road through the village. The garden is sited on higher ground to the house and GAR/11/8 was sited towards the western edge before the land slopes off to the house (Gothic House, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 600585 281431).

Test pit eight was excavated to a depth of 0.9m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this Figure 10: Location map of GAR/11/8 level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/11/8 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares with a number of sherds recovered from every context. Smaller amounts of post 16th century pottery were also identified, with sherds of Glazed Red Earthenware and Staffordshire Manganese Ware both recovered from the lower contexts of the pit and two sherds of English Stoneware found from the upper half of the pit.

GRE SMW EST VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 8 1 1 3 5 18 1800-1900 8 2 4 20 1800-1900 8 3 14 114 1800-1900 8 4 1 20 13 35 1680-1900 8 5 11 25 1800-1900 8 6 11 34 1800-1900 8 7 1 15 7 46 1550-1900 8 8 4 115 10 928 11 41 1550-1900 8 9 1 18 7 46 1680-1900 Table 8: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/8

The excavation at GAR/11/8 suggests that the garden had been previously landscaped, with soil moved away from the house and spread across the remainder of the property, particularly given the large amount of disturbance evident in the test pit, particularly during and after the 19th century. Low levels of activity were also recorded during the post medieval from the 16th century, but the main focus of occupation was likely elsewhere at that time. A large mix of finds were also recovered, consisting of CBM, glass, modern tile and CBM, coal, glass, a possible pendant fragment, roof tile, modern nails, metal wire, pieces of mortar, fragments of plastic, clay pipe, slate, oyster shell, iron nails, tile, pieces of scrap metal and three pieces of slag, suggestive of metal working on or close to site. The presence of worked flint may also be indicative of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

Test Pit nine (GAR/11/9)

Test pit nine was excavated in the south west corner of a large grassed field, behind a line of modern houses fronting the main north-south road through the village and just to the east of the river (Octopus’s House, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 600409 281400).

Test pit nine was excavated to a depth of 0.6m. Natural was not found, but due to the presence of water in the base of the pit and time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A number of medieval pottery sherds were excavated from GAR/11/9 with both Early Medieval Sandy Ware and Grimston Ware identified. A smaller amount of post medieval pot was also recovered, consisting of Glazed Red Earthenware and Harlow Slipware, both of which were generally found from the Figure 11: Location map of GAR/11/9 upper half of the test pit.

EMW GRIM GRE HSW TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 9 2 2 26 1550-1600 9 3 1 20 1600-1700 9 4 4 16 1 2 1 1 1100-1600 9 5 2 12 1050-1200 Table 9: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/9

Given the proximity of the test pit to the river that runs through north-south the village, evidence for limited activity was recorded from GAR/11/9, most probably also due to the land’s susceptibility to flooding. Activity was recorded however between the 11th and 14th centuries and again during the 16th – 17th centuries, perhaps as industrial workings, given the piece of slag identified or just for agricultural purposes. Very few finds were also excavated from the test pit with the slag as one fragment of CBM and a single clay pipe stem were identified. A number of possible worked flints were however also found and may suggest later prehistoric activity alongside the river, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this.

Test Pit 10 (GAR/11/10)

Test pit 10 was excavated close to the rear of a 19th century cottage along the main north south road in the south of the village. It was also the northern of two pits excavated within the property; see also GAR/11/12 (Laburnum Cottage, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 600418 281310).

Test pit 10 was excavated to a depth of 0.6m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/11/10 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares with a number of sherds found through Figure 12: Location map of GAR/11/10 the upper half of the pit. A small amount of post medieval Glazed Red Earthenware and Staffordshire Manganese Ware were also identified from the lower half of the pit with three sherds of Late Medieval Ware also mixed in.

LMT GRE SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 10 1 5 8 1800-1900 10 2 1 8 18 91 1500-1900 10 3 1 2 11 16 1500-1900 10 4 1 3 4 11 2 7 1500-1900 10 5 6 14 1550-1600 10 6 2 7 1680-1750 Table 10: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/10

Despite the location of GAR/11/10 in the far south of the village, the excavation results suggest that there has been occupation on site from the 15th century and probably an earlier cottage to the present one that was built in the 19th century. Disturbances are evident into the 19th century, most likely from the house construction and subsequent occupation given the mix of finds that were excavated from test pit 10. These consist of a large bullet casing, glass, coal, iron nails, CBM, fragments of concrete, snail and oyster shell, pieces of mortar, clay pipe and tile. Oral history of the villages states that a slaughter house was sited across the road from Laburnum Cottage in the 16th century, which may also account for the large quantity of animal bone that was also recovered from the test pit.

Test Pit 11 (GAR/11/11)

Test pit 11 was excavated in an extension to the original school grounds, on a grassed field immediately south of the church yard and just north of the main Thetford to Diss east-west road (Garboldisham Primary School, Church Road, Garboldisham. TM 600429 281564).

Test pit 11 was excavated to a depth of 0.2m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A single sherd of Roman Grey Ware was excavated from context two of GAR/11/11, with a single small sherd of 19th century ‘Victorian’ ware pot that was recovered from context one.

RB VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range Figure 13: Location map of GAR/11/11 11 1 1 4 1800-1900 11 2 1 4 100-400 Table 11: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/11

Although not excavated to natural, the small number of both finds and pottery that were excavated from GAR/11/11, suggest that the site has most likely always remained as open fields, with only an increase in activity into the 19th century. Further excavations however are needed to confirm this. The presence of Roman pottery, with the two sherds that were also found at GAR/11/4 to the north of the church, suggest limited Roman activity in the landscape, to the west of the river and land most likely utilised as open fields. More recent finds were only excavated from the test pit and consist of CBM, glass, fragments of silver foil, iron nails, tile, a metal washer and a piece of chalk. A single worked flint flake may also indicate the presence of later prehistoric activity in the area, although of course, analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

Test Pit 12 (GAR/11/12)

Test pit 12 was excavated in the front garden and close to the southern corner of a 19th century cottage along the main north – south road in the south of the village. It was also the southern of two pits excavated within the property; see also GAR/11/10 (Laburnum Cottage, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 600425 281291).

Test pit 12 was excavated to a depth of 0.5m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Single sherds of both Early Medieval Sandy Figure 14: Location map of GAR/11/12 Ware and Late Medieval Ware were both excavated from context two of GAR/11/12 and were mixed in with post medieval sherds of Glazed Red Earthenware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and English Stoneware. The majority of the pottery however, dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares with a total of 12 sherds identified from the upper two contexts.

EMW LMT GRE SMW EST VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 12 2 1 7 1 3 5 13 3 14 11 24 1050-1900 12 3 1 8 1 2 1680-1900 Table 12: The pottery excavated from GAR/11/12

Unlike GAR/11/10 that was excavated to the rear of the property, the results from GAR/11/12 suggest there was activity on site from the 11th century onwards, although potentially only as open fields, until a cottage was probably built on site in the 15th century. A number of similar disturbances are also noted between the two sites, particularly from the 19th century onwards, although a small number of finds were excavated, consisting of glass, coal, CBM, tile, animal bone and clay pipe. A possible fragment of bone comb was also excavated from GAR/11/12 that may be of a medieval date (figure 15).

Figure 15: Probable double-sided bone comb fragment (central) from GAR/11/12, with the rest of the finds from context 3 © ACA

3.2 2012 Test Pits (site code GAR/12)

The 2012 test pit excavations in Garboldisham were undertaken over the 25th and 26th of April, when a total of 11 1m2 archaeological test pits were excavated by 45 Year 9, Year 10 and Year 12 pupils from Diss High School, Aylsham High School, Fakenham High School, Sprowston High School and Springwood High School (school names correct at time of participation). The test pits were excavated as part of the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA), run by ACA and funded by the Cambridge Admissions Office out of the University of Cambridge. The excavations were directed by Carenza Lewis, with onsite supervision provided by Catherine Collins, Clemency Cooper, Gary Mariner, Claire Halley and John Newman. Paul Blinkhorn analysed the pottery.

Several pits were sited in order to investigate new areas. GAR/12/1 was located more than 1km north of the church at Hall Farm and GAR/12/7 along a track running north from Smallworth. Pits GAR/12/8 and GAR/12/9 were sited near Garboldisham Mill with GAR/12/10 and GAR/12/11 in the area where the present road south of the village runs between Garboldisham Common and Broomscot Common, c.1200m south of the church. The test pit sites were found by Pauline Hinton of the Garboldisham Local History Society and bought the total number of pits so far excavated in the village to 23.

Figure 16: Garboldisham 2012 test pit location map (NB test pits not to scale) © Crown Copyright/database right 2019. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service 1: 20,000

Test Pit one (GAR/12/1)

Test pit one was excavated in the front garden of a likely 19th century farm house set in the far north of the village (Hall Farmhouse, Sandy Lane, Garboldisham. TL 599933 282925).

Test pit one was excavated to a depth of 0.9m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A single sherd of 19th century ‘Victorian’ ware pottery was only recorded from GAR/12/1. Figure 17: Location map of GAR/12/1 VIC TP Context No Wt Date Range 1 3 1 9 1800-1900 Table 13: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/1 Brick wall foundations were recorded just under the turf in GAR/12/1 and the excavations suggested that the wall may have been contemporary with the original house, prior to likely Victorian extensions (figures 18 to 20). The foundations are similar to those seen in boundary walls elsewhere on the property. The presence of an old electricity cable also seen through the test pit suggests that the garden area immediately north of the house has been greatly disturbed over the last 100 years or so. The finds recorded mainly consist of brick, CBM, tile and mortar but glass, concrete, a plastic bottle stopper, a metal hinge, slate and a metal rod were also recovered with burnt stone, potentially later prehistoric in date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Figure 18: The wall foundations identified from GAR/12/1 © ACA

Figure 19: The wall foundations identified at GAR/12/1, in relation to the current house © ACA

Figure 20: Close up of the wall foundations from GAR/12/1 © ACA

Test Pit two (GAR/12/2)

Test pit two was excavated in the large open garden to the Old Rectory set along the main road through the village, but away from the focus of occupation. It was the eastern of two pits excavated here; see also GAR/12/3 (The Old Rectory, Harling Road, Garboldisham. TM 600764 281945).

Test pit two was excavated to a depth of 0.5m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/12/2 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares, although a couple of sherds of Glazed Red Earthenware were also found from the lower contexts.

GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range Figure 21: Location map of GAR/12/2 2 1 1 4 1800-1900 2 2 2 6 1800-1900 2 3 10 24 1800-1900 2 4 1 9 1 1 1550-1900 2 5 1 20 3 36 1550-1900 Table 14: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/2

The limited pre-16th century finds and pottery that were excavated from GAR/12/2 suggest that the Old Rectory was sited away from the main focus of settlement for the village, until expansion into the post medieval period. The majority of the pottery and finds however seem to date to after the construction of the current house and suggest that the land has seen quite a bit of disturbance, most likely for the disposal of domestic rubbish. The finds consist of coal, clay pipe, CBM, tile, pieces of scrap metal, glass, mortar and iron nails along with a couple of pieces of burnt stone that may be of a later prehistoric date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit three (GAR/12/3)

Test pit three was excavated in the large open garden to the Old Rectory set along the main road through the village, but away from the focus of occupation. It was the western of two pits excavated here; see also GAR/12/2 (The Old Rectory, Harling Road, Garboldisham. TM 600751 281945).

Test pit three was excavated to a depth of 0.7m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/12/3 date to the 16th century and later, consisting of Glazed Red Earthenware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and Creamware. The majority of the pottery however dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

Figure 22: Location map of GAR/12/3

GRE SMW CRM VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 3 2 1 2 1 4 4 21 1550-1900 3 3 3 16 1800-1900 3 4 3 32 1800-1900 3 5 2 2 2 9 1750-1900 3 6 1 1 1800-1900 Table 15: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/3

Much like the results from GAR/12/2, the pottery and finds that were also excavated from the Old Rectory at GAR/12/3 suggest that the site was away from the main focus of the settlement, until the village expanded after the 16th century. The site was likely open fields until the current house was built. A mix of finds were again also recorded and consist of slate, tile, mortar, glass, coal, pieces of scrap metal and charcoal.

Test Pit four (GAR/12/4)

Test pit four was excavated in the open front garden of a modern house, set just east of the disused church (Chance House, Water Lane, Garboldisham. TM 600511 281854).

Test pit four was excavated to a depth of 0.9m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/12/4 dates to the 16th century and later, consisting of Glazed Red Earthenware, Creamware and two sherds of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

Figure 23: Location map of GAR/12/4

GRE CRM VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 4 3 4 37 1 1 1 3 1550-1900 4 5 1 2 1800-1900 4 6 1 4 1550-1600 Table 16: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/4

Despite the location of GAR/12/4 close to the now disused church on Water Lane, there is no evidence for any early activity on site until after 16th century. The limited finds and pottery that were recorded however does also suggest that the area was likely utilised as open fields until the current houses were built in the 20th century. The finds consist of mortar, brick, glass, coal, iron nails, oyster shell, fragments of iron tube and bars and a piece of slag, suggestive of metal working close to site. A large piece of worked stone was also recorded from context six and may be of a later prehistoric date, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit five (GAR/12/5)

Test pit five was excavated in a large grassed field set behind the houses fronting the main road through the village (Octopus’s, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600467 281235).

Test pit five was excavated to a depth of 0.5m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Late Saxon Thetford Ware and Early Medieval Sandy Ware were both excavated through the lower half of GAR/12/5.

THET EMW TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 5 3 1 2 1100-1200 Figure 24: Location map of GAR/12/5 5 5 3 12 3 3 900-1200 Table 17: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/5

The Late Saxon pottery identified from GAR/12/5 is the first through the test pitting strategy to be recorded south of the A1066 which now divides the village and suggests that the settlement did continue to the south. This activity continues through to the high medieval, with a greater concentration noted to the south, compared to around the church. The limited evidence for 14th century and later activity suggests that the site was abandoned after the high medieval period and the focus of settlement shifted to its current setting along the main road, the area was likely left as open fields. The finds consist of clay pipe, CBM, glass, iron nails and pieces of scrap metal, with also both burnt stones and worked flints also recorded, suggestive of later prehistoric activity in the area, although of course, analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

Test Pit six (GAR/12/6)

Test pit six was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of an 18th century timber framed Grade II listed cottage set back from the main road in the south of the village (Pear Tree Cottage, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600467 281235).

Test pit six was excavated to a depth of 1m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/12/6 dates to the 16th century and later with Glazed Red Earthenware, English Stoneware Figure 25: Location map of GAR/12/6 and Staffordshire Manganese Ware all found with a number of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares. Single sherds of both Roman and medieval Grimston ware were also recovered from the lower contexts of the test pit.

RB GRIM GRE ES SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 6 2 1 3 10 18 1680-1900 6 3 1 9 5 13 1550-1900 6 4 6 9 1800-1900 6 5 1 1 3 5 1680-1900 6 6 2 110 1550-1600 6 8 1 2 1100-1300 6 10 1 16 100-400 Table 18: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/6

The limited medieval and post medieval pottery that was excavated from GAR/12/6 suggests that the site may have been open fields until the current house was built in the 18th century. The Roman pottery also recorded is the southern extent of a small cluster of Roman activity as identified through the test pitting strategy in the village, from just south of Water Lane to GAR/12/6. A mix of finds were recorded mainly through the upper six contexts of the test pit and mainly relating to the 19th century and later disturbances recorded on site. They consist of brick, CBM, iron nails, mortar, battery cores, pieces of scrap metal, iron tubes and rods, coal, glass, clay pipe, metal rings and pegs, half a glass marble, plastic, snail shell and half a corroded metal can.

Test Pit seven (GAR/12/7)

Test pit seven was excavated in a small grassed field, north of a likely 19th or 20th century cottage, set on the high ground overlooking the hamlet of Smallworth (Richmond House, Harbour Lane, Smallworth, Garboldisham. TM 600819 281137).

Test pit seven was excavated to a depth of 0.5m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/12/7 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares, although a single sherd of Glazed Red Earthenware was also recorded.

GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 7 1 1 3 1800-1900 7 2 20 45 1800-1900 7 3 1 13 6 16 1550-1900 7 4 3 5 1800-1900 7 5 3 4 1800-1900 Figure 26: Location map of GAR/12/7 Table 19: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/7

The isolated site of the GAR/12/7 on a hill overlooking both the village of Garboldisham and the hamlet of Smallworth and the few finds that were excavated from the pit suggest that the site was likely always open fields until the current house was built (originally as three cottages), most likely during the 19tth century. The finds consist of a shotgun cartridge, coal, glass, mortar, CBM, clay pipe, pieces of scrap metal and brick with several pieces of both burnt stone and worked flint, likely suggestive of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit eight (GAR/12/8)

Test pit eight was excavated under a covered shed just south of a Grade II* post mill, dating to the late 1780’s. It was also the western of two pits excavated on the property; see also GAR/12/9 (Garboldisham Windmill, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600240 280474).

Test pit eight was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

19th century ‘Victorian’ wares were only excavated from GAR/12/8.

Figure 27: Location map of GAR/12/8 VIC TP Context No Wt Date Range 8 1 2 10 1800-1900 8 3 2 2 1800-1900 8 7 1 4 1800-1900 Table 20: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/8

The limited finds and pottery that were excavated from GAR/12/8 suggest there was little to no activity on site prior to the construction of the windmill in the late 18th century. The finds consist of coal, mortar, CBM, slate, iron nails fragments of Perspex, glass, tile and slag, suggestive of metal working on or close to site. Several pieces of both burnt stone and worked flints were also excavated from GAR/12/8 and hint at the presence of likely later prehistoric activity in this area.

Test Pit nine (GAR/12/9)

Test pit nine was excavated adjacent to a Grade II* listed post mill, dating to the late 1780’s. It was also the eastern of two pits excavated on the property; see also GAR/12/8 (Garboldisham Windmill, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600279 280476).

Test pit nine was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Two sherds of post medieval pottery were excavated from GAR/12/9, consisting of Glazed Red Earthenware and English Stoneware. Figure 28: Location map of GAR/12/9 GRE ES TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 9 3 1 1 1700-1750 9 4 1 15 1550-1600 Table 21: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/9

Unlike GAR/12/8, there is evidence for limited activity at GAR/12/9 from the 16th century and suggesting that the site was likely being used as farmland prior to the construction of the windmill in the late 18th century. A large mix of finds were recovered from the test pit and likely relate to the construction and subsequent use of the post mill, and consist of mortar, CBM, brick, glass, plastic, iron nails, a metal ring pull, pieces of scrap metal, clay pipe, a metal belt buckle, metal screws and coal. A number of pieces of both burnt stone and worked flints were also excavated from GAR/12/9 and with the similar finds at GAR/12/8, suggest later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit 10 (GAR/12/10)

Test pit 10 was excavated in the large open grassed area to the north of a modern house set between the main road and the stream in the far south of the village. It was also the northern of two pits excavated on the property; see also GAR/12/11 (Alderwood, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600258 280277).

Test pit 10 was excavated to a depth of between 0.7m and 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/12/10 dates from the 16th century and later, consisting of German Stoneware, Glazed Red Earthenware, English Stoneware and 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares. A single piece of Figure 29: Location map of GAR/12/10 Roman pottery was also recorded from the upper contexts of the test pit.

RB GS GRE ES VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 10 2 1 3 1 1 100-1900 10 3 1 2 1 5 1 5 1550-1900 10 4 1 24 1700-1750 Table 22: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/10

The single sherd of Roman pottery is isolated and away from the concentration of Roman activity to the north as identified from the test pitting strategy and may have been open fields at that time. The limited 16th century and later pottery and finds that were also recovered suggest that the site has always been open fields, until the current house was built in the later 20th century. The few finds consist of coal, tile, CBM and iron nails.

Test Pit 11 (GAR/12/10)

Test pit 11 was excavated in the southern entrance of a large poly-tunnel just west of a modern house set between the main road and the stream in the far south of the village. It was also the southern of two pits excavated on the property; see also GAR/12/10 (Alderwood, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600219 280254).

Test pit 11 was excavated to a depth of 0.9m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Figure 30: Location map of GAR/12/10 A single sherd of 19th century ‘Victorian’ ware pot was only excavated from GAR/12/11.

VIC TP Context No Wt Date Range 11 2 1 5 1800-1900 Table 23: The pottery excavated from GAR/12/11

The finds from GAR/12/11 suggest more limited activity in this part of land at Alderwood, compared to the other test pit on site GAR/12/10. The site was likely open fields and the finds consist of metal wire, pieces of scrap metal, iron nails, slate, coal and tile. The presence of both worked flints and burnt stone also excavated from GAR/12/11, hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity close to the Little Ouse River, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

3.3 2013 Test Pits (site code GAR/13)

The 2013 test pit excavations in Garboldisham were undertaken over the 26th and 27th of June, when a total of 11 1m2 archaeological test pits were excavated by 46 Year 9, Year 10 and Year 12 pupils from King Edward VI School, Hartismere School and the Thetford Academy (school names correct at time of participation). The test pits were excavated as part of the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA), run by ACA and funded by the Cambridge Admissions Office out of the University of Cambridge. The excavations were directed by Carenza Lewis, with onsite supervision provided by Catherine Collins, Clemency Cooper and Jessica Rippengal. Paul Blinkhorn analysed the pottery.

The test pits added to those completed in previous years and bringing the total to 34. Pits GAR/13/1 to GAR/13/7 inclusive, filled gaps in areas previously explored in the village north and south of the A1066 and on Garboldisham Common, while pits GAR/13/8 and GAR/13/9 investigated new locations at Ling Farm and Garboldisham Manor and GAR/13/10 and GAR/13/11 returned to Hall Farm where a test pit in 2012 encountered 19th century structures which prevented it from extending to any great depth. The test pit sites were found by Pauline Hinton of the Garboldisham Local History Society.

Figure 31: Garboldisham 2013 test pit location map (NB test pits not to scale) © Crown Copyright/database right 2019. An Ordnance Survey/EDINA supplied service 1: 20,000

Test Pit one (GAR/13/1)

Test pit one was excavated away from the modern house, set far back from the road in the south of the village. It was one of two test pits excavated on the property; this was the western of the two pits, sited next to a wooded area and the Little Ouse River; see also GAR/13/2 (Alderwood, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600219 280215).

Test pit one was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled

All the pottery excavated from GAR/13/1 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares. Figure 32: Location map of GAR/13/1 VIC TP Context No Wt Date Range 1 3 1 1 1800-1900 1 4 2 2 1800-1900 1 8 1 3 1800-1900 Table 24: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/1

Despite the presence of post medieval activity in this area in the far south of the village, as identified through the test pitting strategy, there is little evidence for activity on site, with the majority of evidence dating from the last 200 years or so. The few finds also recorded consist of CBM, coal, glass, slate, wire, clay pipe, tile, milk bottle tops, fragments of concrete and a metal bracket. The presence of a number of worked flints however does suggest that this area may have been more actively utilised during later prehistory, particularly given its presence along the Little Ouse River, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

Test Pit two (GAR/13/2)

Test pit two was excavated in the large open front garden of a modern house, set back from the road in the far south of the village. It was one of two test pits excavated on the property; this was the eastern of the two pits, sited closer to the main road; see also GAR/13/1 (Alderwood, Hopton Road, Garboldisham. TM 600299 280263).

Test pit two was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Single sherds of both Glazed Red Earthenware and a 19th century ‘Victorian’ ware were both recorded from GAR/13/2. Figure 33: Location map of GAR/13/2 GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 2 2 1 1 1800-1900 2 7 1 5 1550-1600 Table 25: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/2

Much like the results of GAR/13/1, there seems to be little activity in this part of the village until the current house was built in the late 20th century and was most probably farmland through the 16th century and later. The very few finds recorded consist of a few fragments of coal and a piece of melted plastic. A number of worked flints were again recorded, suggesting a potentially wide area of later prehistoric activity along the Little Ouse River.

Test Pit three (GAR/13/3)

Test pit three was excavated in the front northern flower borders next to the driveway of an 18th century Grade II listed cottage set back from the road in the south of the village (Pear Tree House, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 600442 281267).

Test pit three was excavated to a depth of 0.68m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/13/3 dates to the 16th century and later with Glazed Red Earthenware, Staffordshire th Manganese Ware and 19 century ‘Victorian’ Figure 34: Location map of GAR/13/3 wares all recorded through the upper five contexts of the test pit. A single sherd of Early Medieval Sandy Ware was also recorded in the basal context.

EMW GRE SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 3 1 6 11 1800-1900 3 2 2 5 21 46 1550-1900 3 3 1 9 20 46 1550-1900 3 4 2 20 1 2 17 55 1550-1900 3 5 1 18 1 1 3 13 1550-1900 3 6 1 8 1100-1200 Table 26: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/3

The finds and pottery that were both excavated from GAR/13/3 suggest that there was little in the way of activity on site prior to the cottages being built in the 18th century and the land was likely farmland up to that point given the limited early pottery also identified. The finds consist of tile, CBM, mortar, glass, fragments of plastic, pieces of foil wrappers, clay pipe, iron nails, glass, concrete, modern nails, metal washers, coal, snail shells, a metal hook, oyster shell and a mother of pearl button.

Test Pit four (GAR/13/4)

Test pit four was excavated in the open front garden of a modern house set off the main north-south road in the centre of the village (22 Elm Grove, Garboldisham. TM 600784 281485).

Test pit four was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A single sherd of Roman pottery was excavated Figure 35: Location map of GAR/13/4 from GAR/13/4, which was also mixed in with seven sherds of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

RB VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 4 Not Recorded 1 2 7 11 100-1900 Table 27: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/4

The Roman pottery identified from GAR/13/4 may be part of a wider scatter of rural Romano- British activity identified through test pitting in the village that here may have been utilised as open fields. This open landscape likely continued through until the current housing estate was built in the later 20th century, and most likely kept as farmland, despite the presence of heavy clay soils. A mix of later finds also recorded consist of glass, clay pipe, oyster shell, iron nails, modern brick and CBM, concrete, coal, fragments of breeze block and CBM, although both worked flints and burnt stone were also recorded from the base of the test pit and may indicate the presence of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to prove this.

Test Pit five (GAR/13/5)

Test pit five was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of the post office and shop set at the central crossroads with the Diss to Thetford main road (Post Office Garboldisham, The Street. TM 600548 281529).

Test pit five was excavated to a depth of 0.8m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/13/5 dates to the 16th century and later, the vast majority of which has been identified as 19th century Figure 36: Location map of GAR/13/5 ‘Victorian’ wares with also a smaller number of sherds of Glazed Red Earthenware found through the upper half of the test pit.

GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 5 1 2 21 18 78 1550-1900 5 2 1 9 2 5 1550-1900 5 3 1 8 8 15 1550-1900 5 4 3 15 13 58 1550-1900 5 5 1 1 14 41 1550-1900 5 6 1 2 1800-1900 5 7 4 15 1800-1900 Table 28: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/5

The large amount of both 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares and finds that were recovered from GAR/13/5 suggest a large amount of disturbance and possibly build up on site related to 16th century and later occupation. The finds consist of tile, glass, oyster shell, plastic plant tags, coal, iron nails and bolts, a glass bottle stopper, brick, CBM fragments, pieces of scrap metal, mortar, slate and clay pipe with a small heart shaped metal locket (figure 37). The presence of three pieces of worked flint also recorded from GAR/13/5 hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity on site, although of course, analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Figure 37: The metal locket excavated from GAR/13/5 © ACA

Test Pit six (GAR/13/6)

Test pit six was excavated in the south-eastern corner of a large Grade II listed late 15th century house set close to the church in the centre of the village (Breckland House, Church Road. TM 600340 281607).

Test pit six was excavated to a depth of 0.6m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Single sherds of both Early Medieval Sandy Ware and English Stoneware were both recorded from GAR/13/6 and were mixed in with eight sherds of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

Figure 38: Location map of GAR/13/6

EMW EST VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 6 2 1 4 4 13 1680-1900 6 6 1 6 4 28 1100-1900 Table 29: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/6

Despite the proximity of the property to the church there appears to have been little activity recorded on site until more recently. The small number of both pottery and finds may be due to the location of the test pit away from the house and the main road, where more activity would be expected. The finds consist of a small rusted metal spanner, brick, tile, fragments of CBM, concrete, iron nails, metal screws, coal, mortar, fragments of plastic, glass, a metal hoop, scrunched silver foil and melted glass. A small amount of both worked stone and burnt flint were also recorded from GAR/13/6, suggestive of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit seven (GAR/13/7)

Test pit seven was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of a modern house set back from the main road and just northwest of the church (Maleth, Church Road. TM 600390 281726).

Test pit seven was excavated to a depth of 0.4m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Single sherds of both Roman and post medieval Glazed Red Earthenware pottery were found mixed through GAR/13/7 with a number of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

Figure 39: Location map of GAR/13/7

RB GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 7 2 1 2 1 2 100-1900 7 3 1 1 1800-1900 7 4 1 4 11 151 1800-1900 Table 30: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/7

The Roman pottery that was identified from GAR/13/7 may be related to a wider area of Romano-British rural activity in the village as identified through the test pitting strategy, with a cluster already sited in this part of the village. The limited pottery and early finds also suggest that this land likely stayed as open fields until the current house was built in the 20th century. The finds mainly relate to the construction and occupation of the current house and consist of a black plastic button, coal, a metal washer, CBM, clay pipe, iron nails and bolts, glass, fragments of breeze block, a piece of thick rubber pipe covering, pieces of scrap metal, metal wire and strips of metal. The presence of both worked flint and burnt stone from GAR/13/7 hints at later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this.

Test Pit eight (GAR/13/8)

Test pit eight was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of a likely 17th century cottage set on high ground away from the centre of the village to the northeast (22-23 The Ling. TM 601279 282256).

Test pit eight was excavated to a depth of 0.5m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/13/8 dates to the 16th century and later with both Glazed Red Earthenware and 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares identified. A small number of both Roman and Early Medieval Sandy Ware and Grimston Ware were however also recorded mixed through the test pit.

Figure 40: Location map of GAR/13/8

RB EMW GRIM GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 8 2 3 11 1800-1900 8 3 1 1 2 4 7 21 100-1900 8 4 1 4 1 2 2 8 6 10 1100-1900 8 5 2 8 1 6 1 8 100-1600 Table 31: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/8

The limited Roman pottery recorded from GAR/13/8 suggest that the site may have been part of a Roman farmstead, given the spread of Romano-British activity already identified through the test pitting strategy in Garboldisham. The site may also have been utilised as a medieval farmstead, which may have been why the location was chosen for the current house in the 17th century. The finds also recorded likely date to the later activities on site and consist of a plastic bracket, clay pipe, fragments of plastic, coal, CBM, iron nails, scrap metal, a possible L shaped metal turning handle, a metal button, a plastic screw cap and fragments of aluminium. The presence of several worked flints with burnt stone hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this.

Test Pit nine (GAR/13/9)

Test pit nine was excavated on open grassland to the north of a modern house set on land behind Garboldisham Manor (Old Brick Cottage, Old Manor Road. TM 600701 282743).

Test pit nine was excavated to a depth of 0.5m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Five sherds of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares were only recorded from GAR/13/9.

VIC TP Context No Wt Date Range 9 2 1 5 1800-1900 9 3 1 1 1800-1900 9 5 3 25 1800-1900 Table 32: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/9 Figure 41: Location map of GAR/13/9

The site at GAR/13/9 was sited potentially outside the original manor estate, which is perhaps why there is little evidence for any activity on site prior to the 19th century. The land has likely remained as open fields through to the present day and the few finds also recorded consist of tile, CBM, glass, coal, slag, brick and possible fragments of tarmac. A small number of possible worked flints and burnt stone were also recorded and may hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity on or close to site, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this.

Test Pit 10 (GAR/13/10)

Test pit 10 was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of a likely 19th century farm house set in the far north of the village. It was the western of two pits excavated here; see also GAR/13/11 (Hall Farmhouse, Sandy Lane, Garboldisham. TL 599916 282910).

Test pit 10 was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/13/10 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

VIC TP Context No Wt Date Range 10 1 3 14 1550-1900 Figure 42: Location map of GAR/13/10 10 2 14 19 1800-1900 10 3 13 48 1800-1900 10 4 6 21 1800-1900 10 5 1 4 1800-1900 10 7 2 9 1800-1900 Table 33: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/10

The pottery and finds excavated from GAR/13/10 suggest that the high levels of disturbance on site are related to the occupation of the cottage and no other evidence for any previous activity exists. The finds consist of a small piece of blue twine, red brick and mortar, glass, concrete, coal, CBM, iron nails, strips of plastic, fragments of lino, pieces of a plant tag, slag, cockle shell and tile. Two pieces of burnt stone were also excavated from the upper half of the test pit and may hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this.

Test Pit 11 (GAR/13/11)

Test pit 11 was excavated in the open front garden of a likely 19th century farm house set in the far north of the village. It was the also the eastern of two pits excavated here; see also GAR/13/10 (Hall Farmhouse, Sandy Lane, Garboldisham. TL 599968282915).

Test pit 11 was excavated to a depth of 0.85m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A small amount of pottery was excavated from GAR/13/11, but sherds have been Figure 43: Location map of GAR/13/11 identified as dating to the Bronze Age and Roman periods. Fragments of Early Medieval Sandy Ware, Grimston Ware, Late Medieval Ware, Glazed Red Earthenware and 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares were also all recorded.

BA RB EMW GRIM LMT GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 11 1 1 2 1800-1900 11 2 1 5 1 5 1100-1600 11 3 1 4 1550-1600 11 5 1 2 1 1 1 19 1100-1900 11 6 1 11 1 3 100-1900 11 7 1 1 1200-800BC 11 8 1 1 100-400 Table 34: The pottery excavated from GAR/13/11

In comparison to the results from GAR/13/10, excavated to the rear of the property, the results from this test pit suggest that there has been activity on site during the Bronze Age and Roman periods, albeit limited. It is possible that here was a farmstead close by during the medieval period and that the land has always been farmed until the change of use with the construction of the current house. Very few finds were also recorded and consist of coal and CBM. A number of pieces of burnt stone and worked flint were also recovered supporting the notion of potential activity here during the later prehistoric, likely the Bronze Age, given the presence of pottery of that date also recorded.

3.4 2014 Test Pits (site code GAR/14)

The 2014 test pit excavations in Garboldisham were the fourth and final series of test pitting in the village and was undertaken over the 21st and 22nd of May 2014, when a total of 10 1m2 archaeological test pits were excavated by 39 Year 9 and Year 10 pupils from King Edward VI School, Hartismere School and the Thetford Academy (school names correct at time of participation). The test pits were excavated as part of the Higher Education Field Academy (HEFA), run by ACA and funded by the Cambridge Admissions Office out of the University of Cambridge. The excavations were directed by Carenza Lewis with onsite supervision provided by Catherine Collins, Clemency Cooper, Jessica Rippengal and John Newman. Paul Blinkhorn analysed the pottery.

A couple of the test pits were located on Church Road, including one in the far corner of the churchyard and another in the adjacent field, east of the church. Five test pits were dug along Back Street, and one further north of the village near Garboldisham Hall. South of the A1066 between Thetford and Diss, there was a test pit behind the village shop and post office and a pit in the hamlet of Smallworth. The sites were identified with help from Pauline Hinton of Garboldisham History Society and bought the total excavated in the village to 44.

Test Pit one (GAR/14/1)

Test pit one was excavated in the large open garden immediately east of the Stables that once belonged to The Hall, just to the south that may have been built in the 18th-19th century (The Stables, Harling Road, Garboldisham. TM 00575 82290)

Test pit one was excavated to a depth of 0.7m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Early Medieval Sandy Ware pottery was recorded from the lower half of GAR/14/1, whilst a number of 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares were recorded from the upper half of the test pit.

Figure 45: Location map of GAR/14/1

EMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 1 1 1 2 1800-1900 1 2 1 2 1800-1900 1 3 4 38 1800-1900 1 4 2 35 1 1 1100-1900 1 5 3 15 1100-1200 1 6 3 21 1100-1200 1 7 4 68 1100-1200 Table 35: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/1

The later disturbances from the upper half of the test pit suggests a lot of activity on site from the 19th century onwards, perhaps relating to the use of the site as a stable block or other activities related to the main house. The medieval pottery also recorded suggests that there was also occupation here during the 12th century that may also have been the northern extent of the core medieval village, as so far identified through the test pitting strategy. The mix of finds also recorded are generally later in date and consists of a large amount of brick, CBM and tile with also glass, pieces of scrap metal, iron nails, coal, mortar and slag.

Test Pit two (GAR/14/2)

Test pit two was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of a modern bungalow set back from the road in the north of the village (Little Hyde, Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 00371 82055)

Test pit two was excavated to a depth of 0.7m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

A small amount of pottery was recorded from GAR/14/2, but as a Figure 46: Location map of GAR/14/2 wide range, including sherds dating from the Bronze Age and Roman periods. Mixed in with these were Late Anglo-Saxon Thetford Ware, Early Medieval Sandy Ware, post medieval Glazed Red Earthenware and Staffordshire White Salt-Glazed Stoneware.

BA RB THET EMW GRE SWSG TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 2 2 1 9 1100-1200 2 3 3 11 1 2 1 1 100-1750 2 4 1 2 1 1 900-1200 2 5 1 3 100-400 2 6 1 13 1200-800BC Table 36: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/2

The evidence for Bronze Age activity at GAR/14/2 is one of three separate sites that have been identified through the test pitting strategy and have yielded evidence for Bronze Age activity, all of which also appears to focus to the north of Back Street in a small valley leading south towards the Little Ouse River. Several worked flints and burnt stone were also found from GAR/14/2 further hinting at later prehistoric activity here, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this. The Roman activity is also focused along the same line through the modern village, suggesting there was a small cluster of houses here at that time, perhaps given the good trade access from the Roman Road situated just to the west and the Little Ouse just to the south. The limited Late Anglo-Saxon activity here suggests that the site may have been peripheral to occupation elsewhere along Back Street, as already recorded through the test pitting strategy, the same being true during the medieval period. Very little in the way of activity was recorded from the 16th century onwards, suggesting that the site may have been utilised as open fields at that time until the current house was built in the later 20th century. An electric cable was also recorded through the test pit at context 2, but other than that there was very little in the way of 18th century and later disturbances. The few finds that were recorded consist of tile, CBM, animal bone and clay pipe and were found from contexts 3 and 4 only.

Test Pit three (GAR/14/3)

Test pit three was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of a Grade II listed early 18th century cottage set to the north of the village (Mulberry Cottage, Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 00296 81972).

Test pit three was excavated to a depth of 0.7m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/14/3 dates to the mid-16th century and later as Glazed Red Earthenware, Delft Ware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware, Staffordshire White Salt-Glazed Stoneware and as 19th century Figure 47: Location map of GAR/14/3 ‘Victorian’ wares. A single sherd of Roman pottery was also recorded from the lower contexts of the test pit with also two sherds of Grimston Ware and Late Medieval Ware.

RB GRIM LMT GRE TGE SMW SWSG VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 3 1 1 5 1 2 4 12 1550-1900 3 2 1 9 21 39 1550-1900 3 3 3 10 1 7 1 3 12 36 1550-1900 3 4 4 27 1 1 3 7 1550-1900 3 5 10 30 1 1 1 1 3 8 1550-1900 3 6 1 3 2 2 1 4 1 2 100-1900 3 7 1 7 1 3 1 16 1 1 1200-1900 Table 37: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/3

There was little in the way of activity on site prior to the 16th century, perhaps suggesting the presence of an earlier cottage, before the current house was built in the 18th century. There is a lot of disturbance noted after the construction from the 18th century onwards with both a mix of finds and later pottery. The finds consist of tile, glass, coal, CBM, clay pipe, the end of a shotgun cartridge, iron nails and bolts, pieces of scrap metal, concrete, mortar, brick and slag. The presence of two sherds of medieval pottery may also suggest that the site was gardens or fields close to the medieval settlement along Back Street. Again, the Roman pottery also identified is likely part of a wider Romano-British settlement along the current village layout. The presence of possible worked flints also hint at the possibility of later prehistoric activity on or close to site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit four (GAR/14/4)

Test pit four was excavated in the far western end of a long back garden to a likely late 19th/early 20th century house set back from the road in the centre of the village (84 Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 00164 81763)

Test pit four was excavated to a depth of 0.6m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/14/4 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares, although a small selection of both medieval and post medieval wares were also recorded through the upper three contexts. These have been identified as Early Medieval Sandy Ware, Glazed Red Earthenware and Midland Blackware.

Figure 48: Location map of GAR/14/4 EMW GRE MB HSW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 4 1 1 2 1 15 1100-1600 4 2 2 20 1800-1900 4 3 3 14 1 1 5 7 1550-1900 4 4 2 5 1800-1900 Table 38: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/4

The location of GAR/14/4 set back from Back Street to the west may be the reason that little was found in the way of finds and pottery from the test pit. It is probable that the site was also peripheral to the medieval and post medieval settlements along Back Street and likely utilised as open fields, with only a slight increase of activity into the Victorian period. The few finds also recorded consist of CBM, glass, coal, iron nails, fragments of plastic and Perspex and pieces of scrap metal. Several worked flints and burnt stone were also excavated from GAR/14/4, hinting at the presence of later prehistoric activity also on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit five (GAR/14/5)

Test pit five was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of a modern house set back from the road in the centre of the village (Orchard House, Back Street, Garboldisham. TM 00392 81750)

Test pit five was excavated to a depth of 0.8m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/14/5 dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares that were also found through the upper four contexts of the test pit only. A single sherd of post medieval Staffordshire Manganese Ware was also identified, as were three Figure 49: Location map of GAR/14/5 sherds of Roman pottery found from context 6.

RB SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 5 1 1 3 1800-1900 5 2 1 6 4 6 1680-1900 5 3 1 20 1800-1900 5 4 2 6 1800-1900 5 6 3 76 100-400 Table 39: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/5

The location of GAR/14/5 suggests that it may have been sited in an area not widely used prior to the 19th century, and may have been left as fields or gardens until the current house was built in the 1970’s. A mix of finds were also mainly recorded through the upper layers of the test pit and consist of glass, slate, modern CBM and brick, iron bolts and nails, fragments of possible breeze block, silver foil, CBM, concrete, fragments of white lino, part of a horseshoe, tile, slate and snail shell. The presence of the Roman pottery in the lower contexts of the test pit may be from an undisturbed occupation layer as a large amount of animal bone was also found within the context and suggests the presence of Romano-British settlement on or close to GAR/14/5. The presence of a single piece of burnt stone may also hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity on site, although analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this.

Test Pit six (GAR/14/6)

Test pit six was excavated in the side garden of a possible 17th/18th century cottage set on the crossroads in the west of the village (Gossip House, 82 Gossip Corner, Garboldisham. TM 00318 81682)

Test pit six was excavated to a depth of 0.7m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/14/6 dates from the 15th century and later as both Late Medieval Ware and Glazed Red Earthenware. The vast majority of the wares identified however date as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares that were also found mixed through the test pit.

Figure 50: Location map of GAR/14/6

LMT GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 6 1 1 3 6 20 1550-1900 6 2 2 2 20 41 1550-1900 6 3 1 2 38 113 1550-1900 6 4 1 3 5 69 3 7 1400-1900 6 5 2 7 2 11 1550-1900 6 6 1 7 4 25 1550-1900 Table 40: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/6

Despite the location of GAR/14/6 at the junction of three roads in the west of the village, the pottery suggests that there was little to no activity on site prior to the 15th century, after which there has always likely been a house on the site. A lot of disturbance is also noted from the 19th century onwards, which is also from when the majority of the finds and pottery date from. The finds consist of tile, CBM, modern nails, coal, glass, iron nails, clay pipe, a mother of pearl button, concrete, pieces of scrap metal, animal bone, oyster, cockle and whelk shells, slate, asbestos, half a metal bell casing and a long glass light bulb filament and cap. Prior to the 15th century it is likely that the site was left as open fields or gardens.

Test Pit seven (GAR/14/7)

Test pit seven was excavated in the southeast corner of the churchyard at St John the Baptist Church, which dates to the 13th century and is Grade I listed (St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Garboldisham. TM 00453 81567)

Test pit seven was excavated to a depth of 0.8m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

The vast majority of the pottery excavated from GAR/14/7 dates to the Late Saxon and high medieval periods as both Thetford Ware and Early Medieval Sandy Ware. A small amount of post 16th century pottery was also recorded from the upper half of the test pit as Glazed Red Earthenware, Midland Blackware, Staffordshire Manganese Ware and as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

Figure 51: Location map of GAR/14/7

THET EMW GRE MB SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 7 2 1 4 1 22 1100-1900 7 3 3 9 3 23 2 2 2 2 900-1900 7 4 1 4 2 2 3 38 1 20 900-1600 7 5 6 24 3 18 900-1200 7 6 1 1 1100-1200 7 7 1 2 1 2 900-1200 Table 41: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/7

The current church dates from the 13th century, but both the Late Saxon and early medieval pottery that was excavated from GAR/14/7 dates to before that time and may be associated with an earlier church or settlement that was on this land before it was chosen for the site of the new church. The location may also have been outside the original church boundary which may have only been expanded into the post medieval period and may explain the sudden appearance of 16th century and later pottery within the test pit. Only a few finds were also recorded with the later pottery, including glass wares likely used to display flowers on graves as well as CBM, tile, iron nails, oyster shell, animal bone and pieces of scrap metal. A couple of pieces of worked flint were also recorded from GAR/14/7 that may either be from the flint

facing on the church or boundary wall. It could alternatively date as later prehistoric, although analysis of the lithics are needed to confirm this.

Test Pit eight (GAR/14/8)

Test pit eight was excavated in the southern end of a grass field immediately east of the churchyard in the centre of the village (Field east of St John the Baptist Church, Church Road, Garboldisham. TM 00463 81571)

Test pit eight was excavated to a depth of 0.6m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

Only a small amount of pottery was recorded from GAR/14/8, consisting of two sherds of Glazed Red Earthenware and four sherds that have been identified as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares.

GRE VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt Date Range 8 2 1 3 1800-1900 8 3 2 8 3 9 1550-1900 Table 42: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/8 Figure 52: Location map of GAR/14/8

The very few finds and pottery that were excavated from GAR/14/8 suggest that the site has likely always been utilised as open fields, with only additional activity found from the 16th century and later, perhaps related to a potential expansion of the churchyard. The finds recorded consist of CBM, fragments of plastic, iron nails, tile, clay pipe, animal bone, oyster shell and a strip of corroded metal. Small pieces of possible worked flint were also recorded from GAR/14/7 that may hint at the presence of later prehistoric activity on or close to site or it may have derived from the flint utilised in the construction of the church boundary wall. Analysis of the lithics would be needed to confirm this either way.

Test Pit nine (GAR/14/9)

Test pit nine was excavated in the enclosed rear garden of the village shop set just south of the main Thetford to Diss road that intersects the village (Garboldisham Shop and Post Office, The Street, Garboldisham. TM 00556 81536)

Test pit nine was excavated to a depth of 0.5m. Natural was not found, but due to time constraints, excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/14/9 dates from the 16th century onwards as both Glazed Red Earthenware and Staffordshire Manganese Ware. The vast majority of the pottery recorded however has been identified as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares and were found through the depth of the test Figure 53: Location map of GAR/14/9 pit.

GRE SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range 9 1 3 19 15 77 1550-1900 9 2 22 95 1800-1900 9 3 2 10 2 12 58 217 1550-1900 9 4 11 73 1800-1900 9 5 16 76 1800-1900 Table 43: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/9

From the results of the excavations at GAR/14/9 it is likely that there was very little in the way of activity prior to the construction of the current shop in the 19th/early 20th century. It was from this later activity that the vast majority of the finds and pottery date, suggesting that a lot of rubbish has been dumped across the garden. The finds consist of clay pipe, tile, CBM, iron nails, concrete, mortar, metal cogs, a metal disc, glass, coal, slate, a metal washer, fragments of plastic, pieces of scrap metal, fragments of brick, Perspex, animal bone, mussel shell and slag. .

Test Pit 10 (GAR/14/10)

Test pit 10 was excavated in the small front garden of a possible 18th century cottage set in the small hamlet of Smallworth in the far south of Garboldisham (Lavender Cottage, Smallworth, Garboldisham. TM00597 80841)

Test pit 10 was excavated to a depth of 0.62m, at which natural was found. Excavations were halted at this level and the test pit was recorded and backfilled.

All the pottery excavated from GAR/14/10 dates to the 15th century and later as single sherds of both Late Medieval Ware and Staffordshire Manganese Ware were both found from context 1. The rest of the pottery dates as 19th century ‘Victorian’ wares that were found through the upper four contexts of the test pit.

LMT SMW VIC TP Context No Wt No Wt No Wt Date Range Figure 54: Location map of 10 1 1 4 1 8 6 14 1400-1900 GAR/14/10 10 2 7 10 1800-1900 10 3 1 6 1800-1900 10 4 1 4 1800-1900 Table 44: The pottery excavated from GAR/14/10

The presence of late medieval pottery in the hamlet of Smallworth may suggest that there was a movement of people out of Garboldisham, perhaps due to the Black Death. The pottery from GAR/14/10 was limited and suggests that the site may have been peripheral to medieval and later occupation elsewhere in the hamlet and it was only have the current cottage was built that there is evidence for occupation and ground disturbances. The few finds that were also recorded consist of CBM, clay pipe, a one penny coin dated 1971, iron nails, concrete, a slate pencil, coal, glass, mortar, an American military metal button dating from the Second World War (figure 55), snail shell and fragments of modern linoleum.

4 Conclusions

The 44 archaeological test pits that were excavated in Garboldisham between 2011 and 2014 have yielded archaeological evidence for settlement in the parish dating from the Bronze Age through to the modern day. All the test pit results have also added to the ‘bigger picture’ of the development of Garboldisham, as well as providing new insight into the level of archaeological remains that are still present under the village as well as looking at the wider picture of this part of south Norfolk, along the Little Ouse River.

The earliest pottery evidence from the test pit excavations dates to the Bronze Age, with a total of three sherds of this pottery found from three separate test pits; GAR/11/3, GAR/13/11 and GAR/14/2. These were all sited in the north of the village, between the remains of All Saints Church and Hall Farm and it is highly likely that this area of slightly higher ground to the north of the Little Ouse River and away from the surrounding marshes was an area of potentially extensive Bronze Age activity. This is supported by the nearby location of known Bronze Age barrows (e.g. NHER 6112) located just to the southwest and part of a cemetery to a nearby settlement. A relative large quantity of both worked flints and burnt stone were also excavated from multiple test pits and therefore hint at a more widespread later prehistoric presence in the landscape here, than just the Bronze Age pottery would suggest. Although the lithics were recovered from a number of test pits spread through the village, a particular cluster was noted in the far south and close to the Little Ouse River, suggesting this may have been another area of more intense activity.

Pottery dating as Romano-British was recorded from 11 test pits in Garboldisham and the largest concentrations of which were found in the north of the village (and north of the A1066 that now bisects Garboldisham). The majority of these test pits with Roman pottery yielded just single sherds (GAR/11/4, GAR/11/11, GAR/12/6, GAR/12/10, GAR/13/4, GAR/13/7 and GAR/14/3), and were sited centrally and south of the village today. Those test pits that yielded between two and four sherds were found from the northern test pits only; GAR/13/8 at Ling Farm, GAR/13/11 at Hall Farm, and GAR/14/2 and GAR/14/5 from along Back Street. The significance of a relatively small amount of Roman material is difficult to assess without further excavation, but the overall pattern of the Romano-British pottery at Garboldisham, does hint at a relatively widespread pattern of a largely dispersed settlement that was in some sort of use in the Roman period. This activity may potentially relate to the area of Roman settlement already recorded on the Norfolk Historic Environment Record (NHER) from the north of the village (NHER 40259), particularly as that is where the majority of the Romano-British material derived from the test pitting. The added proximity of a probable Roman road situated just west of the village (which is also thought to have been in use as the main Norwich to Bury St Edmunds road until the 17th century (NHER 6116)), further supports the notion that this area would have been the ideal location of a small Romano-British settlement to the north of the current village.

A single small sherd of Early Anglo-Saxon pottery was found at GAR/11/3, excavated from the garden of Jacques on Back Street and relatively close to the earlier of the two churches in Garboldisham, All Saints. This hints that this area may have been the original core of the village from the 5th century onwards, and although no Middle Anglo-Saxon material was recorded from the test pitting to show a continuation of the possible settlement, activity of this date has been recorded on the HER, as the Devil’s Ditch (NHER 6115). This survives as a bank and ditch and forms the western boundary of Garboldisham parish today and recent excavations on the feature have speculated it was originally constructed during the Iron Age, but recut and reused during the Middle Anglo-Saxon period most likely to define a boundary between estates or territories.

A concentration of Late Anglo-Saxon activity was identified from six of the test pits sited along the length of Back Street to just south of the A1066 along Hopton Road (GAR/11/1, GAR/11/3, GAR/11/4, GAR/12/5, GAR/14/2 and GAR/14/7), with all but one of the test pits producing more than one sherd. The same test pit that produced Early Anglo-Saxon pot (GAR/11/3), also yielded Late Anglo-Saxon pottery, which does suggest a potential expansion of Anglo- Saxon settlement from Back Street to the areas of the two churches as the Anglo-Saxon village core of Garboldisham.

During the high medieval, after the Norman Conquest, the settlement at Garboldisham appears to shift slightly to the south, with much less in the way of high medieval pottery recorded from the test pits at the northern end of Back Street, compared to the Late Anglo- Saxon. The highest concentrations of pottery of this date derived from test pits sited between the two churches as well as extending south along Hopton Road, and suggesting a mainly linear-type settlement with activity focused to the west of the stream running south, from its source just north of Water Lane. It was at this time that some of the outlying farmsteads were also likely created, with multiple high medieval pottery sherds found from Ling Farm, Hall Farm and The Hall. These outlying sites were subsequently deserted during the later medieval, likely due to the various socio-economic upheavals of the 14th century, including the Black Death. Although the amount of pottery found cannot be equated to population figures, shifts in the settlement with probable areas of abandonment were likely during this turbulent time, but also some houses still standing today are known to have been built during the later medieval. Activity was also recorded in the hamlet of Smallworth for the first time at GAR/14/10 with the presence of a single sherd of later medieval pottery.

Into the post medieval, occupation expanded greatly in the village, although the settlement likely remained a small rural village, the layout of what can still be seen today was visible at least from the 19th century. The southernmost test pits, particularly those at the Mill, on the common and north of Smallworth, yielded pottery of a mainly 17th to 18th century date that also derived no more than two sherds each, suggests that use of this area was limited until the 19th century. The majority of Garboldisham today is 20th century development, including the A1066 that divides the village in two.

5 Maps

Much of the value of the test pit data from currently occupied rural settlements are derived from a holistic consideration across the entire settlement. Maps showing a range of the data from the test pit excavations in Garboldisham between 2011 and 2014 are included below.