Roman ditch and finds, east of Ardleigh (EHER 3350)
Please read our guidance about the use of Essex Historic Environment Record data.
Summary
A length of Roman ditch recorded in 1964 was found to contain a substantial quantity of early Roman pottery, oyster shell and fragments of lava quern. This stretch of ditch is thought to be part of the same feature as that recorded a short distance to the north (EHER 3501).
Map
Location
| Grid reference | TM 0556 2872 (point) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | ARDLEIGH, TENDRING, ESSEX |
Type and Period
Description
1964. Excavation.
A ditch was recorded for around 11.5m (38 feet) of its length and was quite irregular in shape, varying in depth from some 0.75m (2 feet 6 inches) to 1.2m (4 feet), with an entrance occurring half way along. A large quantity of Roman pot was recovered which was pre-Trajanic (1st century AD) in date and probably related to the nearby Roman kiln (EHER 3498). In addition to the pottery there was a lava quern, 0.45m (18 inches) in diameter and 0.05m (2 inches) thick; also a large quantity of oyster shell. The ditch ran obliquely across a corner of the kitchen garden, and was terminated by the modern wash-house one way and a row of lime trees the other.
<1>
It is projected that this ditch would continue over Vince's Farm and join with a short length excavated there in 1956 (see EHER 3501). <1>
It is within the area of Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Additional references: <2> <3>.
Finds
Sources
- <1> SEX12220 Article in serial: Erith, F.H. and Holbert, P.R.. 1965. The Roman site at Elm Park, Ardleigh. Colchester Archaeological Group Bulletin. Vol 8, pp. 17-22.
- <2> SEX12683 Report: Couchman, C. and Savory, L.. 1983. The cropmark complex and a group of Deverel-Rimbury burials at Ardleigh. Part VI.
- <3> SEX4 DESC TEXT: Unknown. 1960 onwards. SMR form unknown.
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Other References
- Old SMR Number: TM02-232