Reconstructing Minsmere Haven and Sizewell in the Middle Ages / Medieval activity around Leiston Abbey: insights from excavations at Sizewell C

Two talks examine medieval coastal change around Minsmere and Sizewell, followed by archaeological evidence from the Sizewell C excavations around Leiston Abbey.

Mark Bailey uses LiDAR mapping, manuscripts and early charts to reconstruct Minsmere Haven and the village of Sizewell in the Middle Ages. His talk traces later coastal change, the disappearance of the original village and chapel, the relocation of Leiston Abbey, and the haven’s silting. Dr Abby Antrobus discusses archaeological remains found in the large-scale Sizewell C excavations, including evidence from areas near the first and second sites of Leiston Abbey and their wider hinterland.