Suffolk Industrial
Archaeology Society

Downdraught Pottery Kiln, Wattisfield

SIAS, formed in 1981, has built up records of sites and industries in the County.

Interest in industrial archaeology has greatly increased in recent years. Suffolk does not immediately spring to mind as an industrial county. Nevertheless, the “Agricultural Revolution” led to many industries, including engineering, malting, fertiliser production and milling growing to support and take advantage of greater production. Older technologies, using wind and waterpower, also survived longer continuing to develop whilst declining elsewhere. Roads, canals, railways and seaport facilities were all built to service the greatly increased need to move raw materials and products. This has led to a massive amount of material for study.

The annual subscription for membership is £8 (Family rate £10)

You are cordially invited to attend any of our events if you would like to meet members and find out more about the Society before joining. No formal charge is made to those wishing to attend a particular meeting without wanting to become a member but there will be the opportunity to contribute to a retiring collection.

Members receive a quarterly newsletter. Between September and April monthly meetings with a guest speaker (usually the second Wednesday starting at 7.30 pm) are held at Castle Hill Community Centre, Highfield Road, Ipswich IP1 6DG. From time to time, usually in May, June and July, visits are arranged to sites, extant industries or places of interest.