Site Event/Activity record ESF21511 - Monitoring at Highfields, Chippenham Road, Freckenham

Archaeological monitoring of groundworks for three extensions to Highfields, Freckenham, identified evidence of three phases of past activity. A substantial phase of Early Iron Age occupation in the immediate vicinity was indicated by the finds assemblage although only a single feature dated to this period was identified. A less substantial phase of activity in the Roman period was also indicated by elements of the finds assemblage. The groundworks also confirmed the presence, position, shape and size of a post-medieval smock mill known from 19th century mapping. The foundations of the octagonal structure and parts of the basal course of the brick built ground floor structure that stood upon it, were shown to survive intact. The brickwork, which in turn would have supported the wooden windmill frame, dates to the 17th-early 18th century supporting the suggestion in the Suffolk HER that the mill is one shown on 17th century mapping.