Stow Marsh (EHER 48433)

An area of unimproved grazing marsh containing the earthworks of a surviving medieval saltern. The archaeological remains, although not currently Scheduled, are of national importance. It is located at the head of Clementsgreen Creek which feeds into the upper reaches of the Crouch Estuary.

A small area of unimproved grazing marsh located at the head of the tidal Clementsgreen Creek, at the point where it borders the dryland. It is linked to the dryland by Hogwell Chase road, and by a farm track to Hogwell Farm. Historic environment character: The area contains the extensive earthworks of a medieval saltern, which comprises mounds, linear earthworks, and tanks. There is a high potential of surviving archaeological deposits throughout the area. The site is of national importance and should be considered for Scheduling, a survey of the earthworks was carried out in 2002 by the RCHME. The sea-wall bordering the creek is shown on the Chapman and Andre map of 1777 <1>, and again on the 1st edition OS map <2> where some of the earthworks are also depicted. Some drainage features are visible on the aerial photos in the south-eastern corner of the site. Character of vegetation: Grazing marsh landward of the sea wall, characteristic but declining habitat in Essex. Dominated by Creeping Bent Agrostis stolonifera, Perennial Rye-grass Lolium perenne, Red Fescue Festuca rubra and Meadow Barley Hordeum secalinum with rarer Hairy Buttercup Ranunculus sardous and Spiny restharrow Ononis spinosa Threats: Threatened by drying out and lack of traditional management. There is some livestock erosion/poaching. See <3>