Iron Age settlement, Elmstead, Fen Farm (EHER 81834)

Early Iron Age features were seven pits of burnt material and pottery indicative of ‘ceremonial’ behaviour. The majority of features were Late Iron Age, thought to be part of a settlement. A curving boundary ditch, two hearths and a two four-post timber structures, interpreted as granaries were identified.

Evaluation 2002 An archaeological evaluation, comprising 28 trenches was carried out on the site of a proposed agricultural reservoir. Prehistoric and Middle Bronze Age activity was also recorded across the southwest half of the site, including ditches, pits, and postholes (detailed in EHER 45983). The majority of the identifiable pottery recovered from these, dated to either the Middle Bronze Age or Late Iron Age, although a single sherd of Roman pottery was identified. Cropmarks identified within the development area were found to correspond with backfilled field boundary ditches, often containing modern field drains.<1> Archive: Colchester Museum. Autumn 2007 Archaeological excavation. The earliest features were Early Iron Age notably seven pits of burnt material and pottery indicative of ‘ceremonial’ behaviour. The majority of features were Late Iron Age, thought to be part of a settlement. A curving boundary ditch, two hearths and a two four-post timber structures, interpreted as granaries were identified. Domestic refuse of pottery, loom weights and briquetage suggested a settlement within the vicinity, although no dwellings were identified. A few late Roman features were thought to relate to agricultural activity. <2> Additional references <3> <4>