Prehistoric linear features and flints, Millennium Green, Station Road (EHER 18254)

Geophysical Survey prior to construction of Millenium Green revealed ditches and pits of prehistoric date. Subsequent fieldwalking uncovered burnt flint and two flint flakes.

Geophysical survey, 1999 A geophysical survey prior to the construction of a Millenium Green on arable land at Ardleigh identified a number of anomalies indicative of archaeological features. The most prominent of these was a linear feature, probably a boundary ditch, extending E-W across the full width of the development area. A number of smaller features include a possible double ditched trackway and a group of pits. Fieldwalking survey (conducted two weeks after the geophysical survey). A subsequent field walking survey produced insignificant results but did reveal burnt flint scatters (77g) corresponding to the area of the group of pits, they probably date to the prehistoric period but this can not be proven. Two additional flints were found which would have been the waste produced in the knapping of flint tools. Also recovered were fragments of post medieval pottery and tile. These were probably derived from nearby as such materials were often thrown onto farmyard midden heaps then spread on fields during manuring. <1>