Carved stonework thought to date from the 13th century has been uncovered during essential repair work to a section of a Grade II listed churchyard wall.
As part of its ground maintenance duties, East Suffolk Council is responsible for 29 closed churchyards across the district, including St Mary’s Parish Church, in Woodbridge.
Work is currently being overseen on the reconstruction of part of its Grade II listed churchyard wall after an assessment found a section unstable and in poor condition.
While some fragments of carved and uncarved stone were already visible on the face of the wall, further pieces were uncovered during the careful dismantling process.
The salvaged material was then set aside and securely stored ahead of a preliminary assessment by experienced buildings archaeologist Matt Champion.
The origin of the stone is not yet known, but it is likely to have come either from the earlier church demolished to make way for the existing 15th-century St Mary’s, or from the Augustinian priory that once stood on the adjacent site now occupied by the Abbey School.
Mr Champion, of MJC Associates, said the carved stone appears to be early English in origin and may date from the mid-13th century, with preliminary assessment finding high-quality workmanship, evidence of red and black painted pigments and masons’ setting-out marks, and classic architectural elements that provide structural support and decorative detail to buildings.
Further research will be undertaken with expert support to help establish the history and significance of the finds.
Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk's cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, whose areas of responsibility include conservation and design, said: “This is a fascinating discovery which gives us a glimpse into Woodbridge’s medieval past.
“While the priority remains making the churchyard wall safe and secure, the fragments recovered during the works will now be carefully assessed so we can better understand their history and significance.”
The reconstruction of the wall above churchyard level will not begin until further analysis of the salvaged material has taken place. Work is currently expected to start in mid-October.