12th-13th century enclosures and metalworking site, west of Panfield Lane, on the Braintree PZ Supply/Demand pipeline (EHER 83373)

An archaeological excavation in 2014/2015 recorded two phases of medieval activity associated with metalworking. A total of 13 features were recorded and included a series of contemporary small enclosures. Within the enclosures were a possible hearth bottom and an area of in situ burning. It is likely the site may be related to cropmark features recorded in EHER 14177 and that it may be the industrial area on the outskirts of a nearby medieval settlement.

August 2014-March 2015. Archaeological strip, map and sample. A total of 13 features were uncovered just below the topsoil strip at this site. A series of roughly contemporary small enclosures and associated features were uncovered that appear to date to the earlier medieval period and were apprently associated with metalworking (iron smithing). As well as pottery, slag, a possible hearth bottom and hammerscale were found in many of the features, suggesting that this may have been part of a small industrial area used for metalworking. At least two phases of medieval activity were identified, indicating some longevity of use and remodelling/maintenance of the enclosures. No structures could be seen that may have been associated with the industrial activities, but an area of in situ burning may have been directly related to metalworking within the enclosures. The ditches located at this site may relate to those recorded on aerial photographs of the area (EHER 14177). It is likely than an industrial area such as this would lie on the outskirts of settlement, and as such it is possible that a previously unknown medieval settlement lies nearby. <1>