Saxon sunken floored building and finds, Chadwell St Mary County Primary School (EHER 17281)

The former playground and a small grassed area were evaluated by trial trenching. Four archaeological features were recorded: three small pits or postholes and an early Saxon sunken floored building. Further excavation recorded the full extent of the building, two small pits to its north and a series of intercutting pits at its SW corner. The pottery is of 6th to 7th century date; other finds include a ceramic spindle whorl and a fired clay 'doughnut shaped' loomweight from the bottom fill of the sunken floored building.

Evaluation, 1996 The former playground and a small grassed area at Chadwell St Mary County Primary School were evaluated by trial trenching. Only four archaeological features were recorded: three small pits or postholes and an early Saxon sunken floored building. Further excavation recorded the full extent of the building, two small pits to its north and a series of intercutting pits at its SW corner. The pottery is of 6th to 7th century date; other finds include a ceramic spindle whorl and a fired clay 'doughnut shaped' loomweight from the bottom fill of the sunken floored building. Environmental evidence suggests the presence of a granary, oats, barley, rye cereals present, (probably destroyed by fire) and indicates the presence of heathland from ericaceous charcoal.<1><2> <3>