Post-medieval features in grounds of Abbots Hall, Braintree Road, Shalford (EHER 80153)

The watching brief discovered little of archaeological significance in the grounds of Abbots Hall. Several unknown features, pits, and drains were discovered although none could be accurately dated. One sherd of Roman pottery and one piece of Roman CBM represent the earliest finds on site, although they did not come from a dateable feature. A drain filled with horse bones was an unusual discovery on site.

May 2015. Watching brief. The watching brief discovered little of archaeological significance in the grounds of Abbots Hall. Several unknown features, pits, and drains were discovered although none could be accurately dated. They are assumed to be post-medieval to modern. One sherd of Roman pottery and one piece of Roman CBM represent the earliest finds on site, although they did not come from a dateable feature. A drain filled with horse bones was an unusual discovery on site. It is clear that this small assemblage does not represent a typical domestic dump comprising of kitchen waste. This assemblage may represent leftover waste from a knacker. Canine gnaw marks on long-bone fragments suggests that horse meat was fed to dogs and longitudinal splitting indicates that the bones were also valued for their marrow. <1>