Cropmarks of later prehistoric enclosures, north-east of the Orsett causewayed enclosure (EHER 83244)

Cropmarks of two rectilinear enclosures of probable later prehistoric date were plotted by RCHME in 1994 while transcribing and analysing cropmarks associated with the Orsett Neolithic causewayed enclosure (TQ 68 SE 21 and associated monuments). The larger enclosure features four straight sides plus curved corners, and measures approximately 22 metres by 21 metres. There are five breaks in the enclosure sides. The second, smaller enclosure has three straight sides and curved corners, and measures 10 metres by 8 metres. It is open on its north-eastern side. Both enclosures are recorded on the NMP cropmark plot and in Google Earth imagery.

NRHE data transfer: Crop marks of of two small rectilinear enclosures lie to the north-east of the Orsett causewayed enclosure (TQ 68 SE 21, EHER 5158). The larger of the two is centred on TQ 6527 8076 and is polygonal in shape with four straight sides, curved corners and dimensions of 22 x 21 metres. There are five breaks in the enclosing ditch, several of which are probably entrances. The second enclosure is centred on TQ 6535 6069, it is smaller than the first (10 x 8 metres), has three straight sides and curved corners. The enclosure is open on its north-eastern side and this probably represents the original entrance. There is no independant dating evidence for these enclosures, however, on morphological grounds, they are likely to be of late prehistoric date. These features were plotted at 1:2500 scale by the RCHME Air Photography Unit in September 1994. This survey formed part of the larger Industry and Enclosure in the Neolithic Project (Event UID 927129, Parent UID 923509). <1> <2> <3> See also <4>. Comments added after NRHE data transfer: The larger enclosure is plotted on the updated NMP cropmark plot as a geo-rectified shapefile but only four breaks in the enclosing ditch are recorded. Also recorded are at least two internal pits and two undated linear features aligned NE and ENE and radiating from the NE corner, which may be associated with the enclosure. The smaller enclosure is mapped on the original NMP cropmark plot but appears more morphologically similar to a ring ditch or round barrow in this depiction. Several other characterless anomalies have been recorded in the space between the two enclosures. <5> Note: The cropmarks may have originally been recorded under EHER 5165. Both enclosures can be made out on Google Earth imagery taken in 2013 and 2020, and are faintly notable on imagery from 2018. <6> <7> <8>