Excavation by Pre-Construct Archaeology, Land at Legg Street Car Park, Chelmsford, 2010 - EEX58944

The excavation area recorded four phases of archaeological activity; medieval, early post-medieval (1480-1600), later post-medieval (1600-1800) and 19th century, cutting into the natural underlying brickearth. The medieval activity was represented by brickearth quarry pits. The early post-medieval phase saw continued quarrying of the natural brickearth along with a series of rubbish pits. By the later postmedieval phase quarrying of the natural brickearth appeared to have ceased with a large number of refuse pits now being located across the site. However, recorded during this phase was a kiln structure manufacturing bricks dated to the late 17th to early 18th centuries. This kiln structure was unusual as it was sunken within a cut as opposed to being at ground level. The medieval and post-medieval activity on site represents activity on the periphery of the town of Chelmsford to the south. The 19th century saw further groups of refuse pits together with brick foundations.