Medieval clay pits, land at 10 Start Hill, Great Hallingbury (EHER 81015)

A series of medieval pits may represent clay extraction used in tile production.

August 2023. Trial trenching. The only datable features on site were of medieval date, perhaps representing mineral extraction activities dating to the 12th to 15th centuries. Parts of four extensive, though relatively shallow pits were recorded in Trenches 1 and 2, in the west of the site. These appear to have been uniformly infilled and not intentionally used for rubbish disposal, though small quantities of medieval pottery and possibly medieval tile were collected from them. Given the presence of nearby “Tilekiln Farm” and previous discoveries of tile production activity in the surrounding vicinity, it is postulated that the large pits might represent extraction of clay or other minerals for tile production during this period. These pits clearly extend beyond the trenches and are perhaps part of a larger complex of such features present within the wider site. It is not clear whether or not the smaller pit in Trench 3 is a further part of this activity, or has a different function. The pottery, tile and other possibly medieval artefacts retrieved from these features and from later features and deposits might suggest medieval occupation activity in the vicinity.<1>