17th century pits at Crossroads, Water Lane, Helions Bumpstead (EHER 46710)

An archaeological evaluation by trial trenching was carried out at Crossroads, Water Lane, Helions Bumpstead in advance of a small residential development. The only archaeological features recorded were two small 17th century pits.

The evaluation trench was located in Plot 2, a garden area in the north of the site, and was L-shaped with two 10m long arms. Plot 1 was not investigated as it was occupied by the existing bungalow. The trenching identified no evidence of the Saxon or medieval village other than a single sherd of residual 13th to 14th century pottery. Two small 17th century pits were recorded, but otherwise only modern features were found, dating to the 19th and 20th century. The only evidence of the buildings showing on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey were 19th century or later cobbled and clay surfaces in the extreme north of the site. <1> See also: <2>