Bronze Age 2000BC – 1000BC First metal tools, initially copper later bronze. Round Barrows, heavy concentration on Martlesham Heath.
Iron Age 1000BC – 43AD Iron introduced to Britain and choice material for tools and weapons. No change in pottery. Settlements mainly on lighter soil of NW & SE Suffolk nearly always within a mile of watercourse. Fortified sites rare but substantial one at Burgh. Tribal areas of Trinovantes in S Iceni in N.
Romano 43BC – 410AD Establishment of settlements at Hacheston, Coddenham and Walton Fort are nearest. Scattered Farmsteads and Villas throughout county.
Anglo Saxon 450 – 1066 Mid 5C Suffolk being settled by AngloSaxon & Frisian (thought these were Kent – Bob) immigrants. River valleys used for transport and settlement as they preferred lighter soils. In early period the central claylands were virtually abandoned but re-occupation starting by middle. Most villages established by 9C. Deben valley prominent in this process with Wuffinga dynasty at Rendlesham.
