Undated circular feature, Clacton Road (EHER 3219)

Mound in the grounds of Mistley Hall opposite Ford Farm, it survives to a height of about 2m, estimated diameter 20m, there is a possible trace of a ditch. The mound was dug by unknown people in 1974, but its origin and date was not determined.

Mound in the grounds of Mistley Hall opposite Ford Farm. Survives to a height of about 2m, estimated diameter 20m, possible trace of ditch. Noted by Erith as having been dug into in the past, no record of finds or burials. <1> <2> <3> A hole was dug, by unknown persons, in 1974, on the north side, revealing that the mound had a core of light brown clay loam with a capping of light grey brown sandy loam. This layer contained modern metalwork towards the top of the mound, and may be disturbed. No ditch is visible, the depression on the south may be a gravel pit. Date of mound is uncertain. In 1777 its site was in a small band of woodland bounding the Park of Mistley Hall (See Chapman and Andre map). A survey of the estate in 1778 shows this mound to have been surmounted by a circular summerhouse (EHER 7422). Whether or not this was the origin of the mound can only be determined by further investigation. <4> <5> <6> Site Assessment = Was originally planted with Scots Firs, a number of trees have been cleared, no recent disturbance to mound. <1> Damaged by rabbits, trees, ploughing up to margins, road widening, soil removal, and by excavation, by unknown persons, in 1974. <4> AP <7> The mound was mapped as part of the NMP update as it is clearly visible on Google Earth and the 2000 ECC aerial photographs <8-10> See also EHER 3522 which records a Bronze Age barrow cemetery, of which this mound could be part.