Medieval activity at the site of Tan House, Beccles

An archaeological watching brief was carried out during the redevelopment of sheltered accommodation at Tan House, St Benedict's Road, Beccles, Suffolk (TM 42315 90935). The new-build consisted of two blocks of accessible flats and houses.
The first phase of archaeological work was undertaken from October 5th to 7th 2010 after demolition of buildings on the eastern part of the site and during the excavation of footings for the new eastern block. The foundation and drainage trenches associated with the first phase of the development were inspected for any archaeological remains that may have been affected. No archaeological remains were exposed or any artefacts recovered during these works.
The second phase of work took place between the 4th and 11th July 2012 during excavation of the footings for the new western block. Archaeological features were observed in the sections of the northern half of the footings. These features appeared to have been pits, two of which contained pottery dating to the medieval period. Post medieval, medieval and prehistoric pottery was also recovered from several locations between the footings where subsoil was exposed.