Iron Age to Roman field system at Terriers Farm, Thaxted (EHER 81163)

The evaluation revealed a landscape of Iron Age to Roman field systems.

August to December 2020. Trial trench and excavation. The site at Terriers Solar Farm underwent multiple areas of excavation. The trial trenching across the 52ha site area revealed a landscape of Iron Age to Roman field systems. The archaeological mitigation phase covering three targeted areas expanded on the results of the trial trench evaluation phase. Area 1 focused around an area of discrete features including a cobble lined fire pit of late Iron Age date and revealed further evidence of this date in the form of curvilinear gullies and associated discrete features. Area 3 encompassed an area of discrete features containing burnt material and late Iron Age finds, in addition to a curvilinear feature vaguely comparable to those found in Area 1 of late Iron Age date. The curvilinear features of late Iron Age date across Area 1 and Area 3 indicate some level of sporadic settlement activity which extends over a large area. The excavations at Terriers Solar Farm revealed further evidence of Iron Age to Romano British occupation in the area. The presence of early Iron Age pottery through to 3rd century Roman provides evidence of It is apparent that there has been varied and sporadic activity across the site throughout antiquity. The finds recovered from the excavation are typical of the area and time periods, though the pottery is of local significance and can provide evidence of Prehistoric sites outside of main concentration areas in Essex. <1>