Roman pottery sherds and axe at Hall Field, Henham Lodge (EHER 4635)

Roman pottery, including Samian, and an iron axe found in 'Hall Field', Henham Lodge. A 1989 excavation found more Roman pottery sherds.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Roman pottery, including Samian, and an iron adze found in 'Hall Field', Henham Lodge. <1> In 1891 Mrs R. Cowell gave Saffron Walden Museum a fragment of Samian ware found in 1849 with other fragments comprising two nearly complete dishes, found in Hall Field, Henham Lodge. Also she gave an iron adze and the pedestal of a vase, apparently from Henham parish. They may have come, like the Samian fragment, from Henham Lodge, where the Cowells farmed for many years. This source gives references for two directories, in which the Cowells presumably appear. <2> - <4> The 'adze' is a shaft hole axe (with drooping blade). The Samian was thrown into a pond and retrieved 14 years later when the pond was drained. <5> April 1975. Field survey. The findspot of the Ro pottery was not confirmed by Mr Smith, farmer at Henham Lodge. According to Miss Winmill, a local archaeologist, several fields in Henham parish have "Hall" names - TL 542 295 Far Hall Field; TL 545 295 Large Hall Field; TL 543 289 Hall Field; but she did know of the finds. The area is mostly under the plough and no further finds were made on investigation. <6> <7> 1989. Excavation. Two day excavation on construction site of Fishponds. Revealed Late Roman material. <8>