Ancient Anglo-Saxon Village Unearthed During Suffolk Wind Farm Excavation
FRISTON, England — In a remarkable archaeological find, a long-lost Anglo-Saxon village has been uncovered amid construction work for a new offshore wind farm in East Suffolk. The discovery, announced on January 6, 2026, reveals a medieval settlement featuring wooden longhouses measuring up to 62 feet in length, shedding new light on early medieval life in the region.
The excavation was conducted by a joint team from Wessex Archaeology and the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA), ahead of the East Anglia TWO and ONE North offshore wind farm projects developed by ScottishPower Renewables. The dig took place near the modern village of Friston, where archaeologists identified the remains of a small community dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.
According to Matthew Ginnever, senior project manager at MOLA-Wessex Archaeology, the settlement consisted of substantial wooden longhouses, some measuring 19 meters (62 feet) long and 6 meters (20 feet) wide. “These weren’t just living spaces,” Ginnever explained. “They also acted as social hubs, with a central hearth for cooking and keeping warm.” Although the wooden structures have long since decayed, the post holes left behind provide clear evidence of their size and layout.
Among the artifacts uncovered were flint tools and pottery fragments, some predating the Anglo-Saxon era. Notably, the team found a rare flint arrowhead estimated to be between 4,000 and 6,000 years old. Wessex Archaeology noted the arrowhead’s finely sharpened edges and point are typically fragile and rarely survive underground, making this a significant find.
Excavations also revealed medieval kilns, indicating local production activities within the settlement. The site’s alignment with a modern public footpath suggests that the route has been in continuous use since the Anglo-Saxon period, or possibly earlier, highlighting the deep historical continuity of the landscape.
Despite the village’s apparent vibrancy, it was abandoned in the 1300s for reasons that remain unclear. Archaeologists plan to explore potential causes during the post-excavation analysis phase. The discovery adds to a growing body of knowledge about medieval rural life in East Anglia, an area rich in history but still yielding new insights.
The excavation underscores the importance of archaeological assessments prior to major infrastructure projects. The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists emphasizes that such investigations help preserve cultural heritage while enabling modern development.
As offshore wind farms expand across the United Kingdom to meet renewable energy goals, projects like East Anglia TWO and ONE North are balancing progress with preservation. The Planning Inspectorate oversees these developments, ensuring that archaeological sites are identified and protected.
With the excavation now complete, the artifacts and site data will be studied further to deepen understanding of the settlement’s social and economic life. The findings will be shared with the public and academic communities, contributing to England’s rich tapestry of medieval history.
For more information on the archaeology of the region and ongoing research, visit the Historic England website, which supports heritage conservation and education nationwide.
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