Post-medieval (narrow rig) ridge and furrow, Tilbury Riverside (EHER 19506)

An earthwork survey recorded ridge and furrow and interpreted the area west of Tilbury fort being taken into cultivation in the late 18th century.

December 1989. Earthwork survey. An earthwork survey recorded post-medieval ridge and furrow. These were aligned north-south, with a distance of 2.5 m between furrows. The height between the furrow bottom and ridge top was about 4cm. It was only visible in heavily-grazed areas but appeared to be present over almost all the area west of the 19th century railway lines. A further area of ridge and furrow was visible to the east of the railway. The width of the ridge and furrow defines it as 'narrow rig' and of post-medieval date. This is evidence for the area west of Tilbury fort being taken into cultivation in the late 18th century. Cutting the ridge and furrow were former trackways or, more probably, drains. <1> <2>