Essex Archaeol Hist 22

A series of trial trenches dated construction to the Early Iron Age. The ditch at that time was 3.6m deep; there was evidence of a later re-cut, dating to the late-eleventh or twelfth century AD. Beneath the bank was a well preserved old land surface; field examination of this soil indicated that there had been cultivation on the site prior to the building of the hill fort. Pollen analysis pointed to a pre-hillfort environment that was pastoral, dominated by grassland, and with little evidence for woodland in the vicinity. Trenches in the interior showed that up to 90% of the site had already been destroyed by nineteenth and early-twentieth century gravel quarrying. In one trench, some archaeological features did survive, in the form of pits and post holes dating to the Middle Iron Age. Some of these features contained substantial deposits of charred grain (mostly spelt and emmer) plus fragments of a large pottery storage vessel, and large pieces of charcoal derived from planks, stake tips and staves possibly from a small oak barrel. These remains are best interpreted as the debris of a burnt down granary. There are sections on `Flintwork' by Hazel Martingell (27), `Prehistoric pottery' by Nigel Brown (27--8), `Roman pottery' by Catriona Turner (29), `Saxon pottery' by Susan Tyler (29), `The medieval pottery' by Helen Walker (29--31), `Cereals and crop weeds' by Peter Murphy (31--5), a `Soil report' by Richard MacPhail (35), and finally a `Pollen analysis of the Iron Age land surface' by Rob Scaife (35--6). Au(adp)

An examination of the origins and nature of the `planned landscapes' which cover much of southern Essex. The need for a rigorous methodology is stressed, and the processes by which such landscapes can evolve are discussed. It is suggested that a multidisciplinary use of a wide range of data allows a greater understanding of the origins and context of several areas of planned landscape; it is suggested that they are predominantly later Saxon, contrary to the widespread belief that they date to the Late Iron Age or Roman period. Finally some of the implications of such a large scale reorganisation of the landscape are considered. Au

Excavation on the north side of Market Street, Old Harlow, revealed evidence for a structure built with earth-fast posts datable to the thirteenth century, succeeded by a more permanent timber-framed building dating to the thirteenth to fourteenth century. These were located at the edge of a gravel-surfaced marketplace. Subsequently the gravel surfacing was extended to cover the site of these buildings, but a further building was erected in much the same place in the seventeenth century. The medieval pottery found is assumed to have been made locally (dubbed `Harlow Ware'), and it is the first significant assemblage of the products of this important industry to be published. There are reports on `The flint' by Hazel Martingell (106), `The prehistoric pottery' by Nigel Brown (107), `Saxon pottery' by Susan Tyler (108), `The medieval and later pottery' by Helen Walker (108--12) and short notes on the small finds, clay pipes, window glass, lead window came, and brick. Au(adp)

An annual report detailing the years results from watching briefs, chance finds, and the final reports from a number of smaller excavations. IH

Reports the results of organic mud analysis including radiocarbon dating to 5510 BC/7459 BP, along with pollen, insect and mollusc analysis of bulk samples. IH

A short note on a vessel recovered from a Saxon burial site. IH

Small-scale excavation uncovered a possible Early Bronze Age burial along with Early Iron Age-Roman occupation evidence. There are short notes on `Prehistoric pottery' by N Brown (168--9), `Late Iron Age and Roman pottery' by C Wallace (169), `Faunal remains' by O Bedwin (169), `Flintwork' by O Bedwin (169--70), `Copper alloy' by H Major (170), `Iron' by H Major (170), and `The baked clay' also by H Major (170). IH

Renovation work on the church revealed the stages of architectural development in the nave, the chancel, transepts, porch and organ chamber. IH

A report on excavations of a sunken pathway directly in front of the building. Earlier activity was uncovered in the form of pits and similar features, along with medieval pottery and the floor surface of another building. Work also confirmed that the moat post-dates the building itself. There is a note on `The pottery' by Helen Walker (178--9). It is also thought that there may have been earthworks in the form of house platforms in nearby meadows and woods. IH

Trial trenches were dug to ascertain whether the line of the medieval defences (magnum fossatum) ran through this area. Although a ditch was located it is not thought to represent a continuation of the defence works which, it is suggested, may have run further south, under the house itself. IH