Archaeological investigations first began along the south-eastern edge of Bury St Edmonds some 10 years ago, with an initial geophysical survey across the field as well as several on the north side of the River Lark. This was followed by two phases of evaluation (in 2014 and 2022). These early phases of work identified an intensively utilised landscape, with evidence for Early Mesolithic in situ flint working, Neolithic and Bronze Age pits, a Bronze Age barrow/burial monument and a substantial Anglo-Saxon settlement.
Oxford Archaeology’s Cambridge office have recently started work on a new 8-hectare excavation in Abbot’s Vale, ahead of the site’s redevelopment for residential housing, working on behalf of RPS Consulting for Hopkins Homes.
The site is situated adjacent to the River Lark, and it looks like the course of this river once upon a time ran through the site, so we’re also going to be doing a bit of work investigating that.
Overall, we’re looking forward to uncovering an exciting variety of archaeological remains and learning more about how people of the past utilised and lived in this fascinating landscape.
Meet the team
Louise has worked in commercial archaeology across the East of England since 2005, after gaining a BA in Ancient History and Archaeology, then an MA in Practical Archaeology at the University of Birmingham. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (MCIfA). Louise has a particular interest in Bronze Age settlement and funerary practices.
In her current role, Louise manages fieldwork projects from the tendering stage through into post-excavation. She has extensive experience overseeing a wide variety of schemes, from residential developments to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects. Louise has particular strengths in logistical organisation, stakeholder communication and project delivery.
Neal graduated from University College London with a BA in Ancient History in 2002, and after working in other sectors, joined Oxford Archaeology in 2015. Since then, he has worked on a large range of commercial projects, both in the field and in post-excavation. Some of his recent projects have involved running large excavations at Cambourne and Ely, and a large linear infrastructure project in Norfolk. He also recently directed the excavation of part of the Roman town and cemetery at Bishop’s Stortford. Neal is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (ACIfA).
