Alexandra Works, High Street, Fincham, Norfolk: An Archaeological Excavation

Between June and July of 2019, Archaeological Solutions Ltd (AS) conducted an archaeological excavation at Alexandra Works, High Street, Fincham, Norfolk (NGR TF 6849 0629). A requirement for archaeological mitigatory work, which commenced with informative trial trenching in 1994, was required by the LPA, as advised by Norfolk Historic Environment Service, in order to identify any archaeological remains likely to be disturbed by the proposed development (King's Lynn Planning Ref. 16/01554/F). Based on the material evidence and stratigraphic and spatial relationships between archaeological features, three phases of archaeological activity have been identified. The earliest substantial phase of activity recorded during the excavation occurred during mid to late Roman period. Phase 2 was characterised by a series of pits, which likely functioned as extraction features, in addition to a boundary ditch that appears to undergone episodes of maintenance. A possible medieval post-built structure was also revealed; though the full form of the building was obscured as it also appears to have extended beyond the limits of the excavation. Fragments of CBM consistent with an 18th to 19th-century date were also retrieved during the excavation, though this material likely represents detritus spread by agricultural activity (Phase 3). The next substantial phase of activity on the site occurred during the 20th century when a linear structure was constructed.