Trial trenching by Colchester Archaeological Trust at 1-3 Friars Lane, Maldon, 2010 - EEX56259

Two 'T-shaped' trial trenches measuring a total length of 37m were excavated under archaeological supervision using a mechanical excavator with a toothless ditching bucket. NRHE data transfer: Site code: MD45. Two trenches excavated, revealing areas of clay and gravel cut by post-medieval and modern pits. The gravel is identified as a metalled yard. The clay may have been the floor of a previously unidentified late medieval or early post-medieval structure, or may have been demolition debris resulting from repairs to or demolition of adjacent properties. The absence of Anglo-Saxon pottery may reflect an absence of occupation in that period. However, it is possible that Anglo-Saxon settlement was focussed on the street frontages to the north and west of the trench positions. No certain medieval features were revealed by this evaluation. However, a quantity of residual medieval pottery was found in later features. This is probably the result of domestic rubbish being dumped into back gardens of medieval properties on the street frontages. Accession no: COLIM:2010.7. Information from OASIS Online Form.