Site of possible post-medieval shelter or decoy hut, Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury (EHER 18114)

The foundations of a post-medieval building in red brick and timber located on Old Hall Marshes. Its proximity to the decoy pond EHER 16282 may suggest it was used as a decoy hut.

Area of bricks and timbers, possibly forming a house or hut platform. Viewed during MPP inspection of nearby decoy pond, EHER 16282. <1> <2> 1999. Field survey. The foundations of a post-medieval house in red brick and timber. During survey of Old Hall Marshes by English Heritage (Cambridge Office) in September 1999, the site was virtually turfed over, with only a few fragments visible. There are a number of possible uses for the structure. The close proximity of it to a duck decoy (EHER 16282) could imply that it was used as a decoy house for shooting parties. The estate and tithe maps name the surrounding area as Pound Marsh, perhaps indicating that this was an area where cattle were brought to graze, the building forming a shelter for the herdsman or shepherd. <3> The tithe map of 1840, together with OS map editions of 1871, 1897 and 1925 all depict a structure here. It is not however represented on a detailed 1827 estate plan of Old Hall Marshes, a fact which may indicate construction between 1827 and 1840. <4> - <7> See also <8> <9> <10>. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.