Iron Age to Roman red hill, Old Moze dock area (EHER 3524)

Iron Age to Roman red hill, excavated by R.H. Farrands in 1954, destroyed between 1959 and 1970 and fieldwalked in 1975. Complex stratigraphy was uncovered, supported by multi-period finds, which indicate a long and complex period of use.

The site of a red hill mound excavated by R.H. Farrands in 1954. It was destroyed between 1959 and 1970, and fieldwalked in 1975. <1> <2> <3> In 1954 the mound was grass-covered, 1.5m high and lay within the sea wall but below present high-water mark. In 1954 RH Farrands cut five trenches through the mound. The sections show a complex stratigraphy, indicating a complex formation process for this and, presumably other red hills. The finding of 'Belgic' grog- tempered pottery and at least two distinct collections of briquetage, some from a 'buried pit' under the red hill suggests the site had its origins in the Iron Age. Barford discusses the use of the briquetage forms, concluding that there was originally an industry where vessels (of unknown form) were supported in salt-drying ovens on pedestals alone. Over time, but before the Roman conquest, a new technique evolved or was introduced, in which troughs were supported over hearths using firebars. The same production sites were still used, as well as the addition of new ones. It is suggested that over time, on the old sites, briquetage of earlier phases became mixed with fresh material. <4> Roman finds were also recovered, including early greyware, Colchester flagon sherds, a rim sherd of Central Gaulish Samian (possibly f37). A later find was the base sherd of an early medieval sandy greyware cooking pot. <4> Site Assessment The site was destroyed and levelled after 1959 but before 1970 and has been ploughed continuously since. One of the few excavated Essex red hills to show the construction of the mound. <4>