Essex Archaeology & History 39

Details the results of six excavations and three watching briefs. Archaeological deposits were found dating from the Late Bronze Age to the post-medieval period, including prehistoric ditches and pits, Late Iron Age and Romano-British enclosure ditches and cremations, a medieval settlement and a medieval moated site (both with thirteenth-century origins) with a later brick-built Tudor hall. Evidence of other activity was also recorded consisting of spot finds of worked flint and prehistoric pottery, Romano-British features and undated structural remains near Gutteridge Hall.

Excavation revealed four distinct phases of archaeological activity. The earliest of these phases dated to the Late Neolithic and comprised three small pits. The second phase of activity was of Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age date. The dominant aspect of this phase of activity was a system of ditches which appeared to form the south-eastern corner of a square or rectangular enclosure. Three cremations of this date were present in close proximity to the ditch system. Following this, no datable activity occurred until the early Anglo-Saxon period. This activity comprised a cremation cemetery, with associated features, containing sixty-six cremation burials, with a further seven undated cremation burials, which may have been of Late Bronze Age/Earl Iron Age or Anglo-Saxon date, also present. The last identifiable phase of archaeological activity was dated to the post-medieval period and comprised a pair of parallel ditches traversing the excavated area from east to west.

Overview of work carried out, mainly consisting of remains noted during evaluations or watching briefs. PP-B

Reports on excavation of medieval and post medieval domestic remains. PP-B