Medieval activity on Land East of Halstead Road, Kirby Cross (EHER 80573)

Medieval activity within the site was centred on Area 1, where a number of boundary ditches and pits were encountered.

Excavation, 2018 Medieval activity was centred within Area 1, near the eastern end of the site, and comprised an east – west orientated boundary consisting of two contemporary ditch sections (ditches 4 and 5) separated by a probable entranceway, and two short, north - south orientated ditch segments (ditches 6 and 7) and a small cluster of pits and postholes, located immediately to the south of ditches 4 and 5. Three shallow pits, were found in the small space partially enclosed by Ditches 3, 4 and 7, in the eastern half of Area 1. The features comprised circular cuts measuring up to 1.25m in diameter and surviving to maximum depths of 0.2m. All contained similar fills, consisting of mid brown grey silt clay, and all contained pottery of 11th to 13th century date. Posthole 1031 was located adjacent to the western side of Ditch 7. Measuring 0.41m in diameter, it was filled by a mid blue grey silt clay deposit that contained 11th to 13th century pottery. The feature appears to be mirrored by undated posthole 1027, with a very similar size and shape, located on the eastern edge of Ditch 7. The postholes to either side of the north end of ditch 7 may suggest some form of simple structure or frame over the ditch, the purpose of which is unknown. <1>