Medieval to post-medieval field system and trackways, Orsett (EHER 5163)

Cropmarks of linear features representing a fragmented field system of probable medieval to post-medieval date are visible on aerial photographs at Orsett overlying the remains of the Neolithic causewayed enclosure. These features were excavated in 1975 and found to include field boundaries and trackways.

1975. Archaeological excavation. The Neolithic causewayed enclosure (EHER 5158) was overlain by cropmarks of linear features. On excavation of the Neolithic causewayed enclosure in 1975 parallel ditch alignments proved to be medieval and/or post-medieval trackways. Other medieval ditches seemed to be field boundaries. On the Tithe map of around 1840 a number of field boundaries appeared to have their junction within the inner area of the causewayed enclosure. Less than 20 sherds of medieval or post-medieval pottery were found in the excavations. During the opening of trenches, eight medieval to post-medieval sherds, and two post-medieval sherds were found. Less than 20 medieval to post-medieval sherds were found during the excavations proper. <1> Medieval and post-medieval ditches were recorded. Dating evidence came from 13th century pottery from a ditch and post-medieval pottery from another. Two parallel ditches cut the silted up ring ditches. They were either boundary replacements or a trackway. Others cut each other and two others were roughly parallel. One ditch was almost certainly a main east-west boundary, extant until recently, and still marked by a tree line. The 1840 Tithe map showed that the field containing the cropmark complex was once subdivided into fields, whose junction appeared to be within the area of the inner causewayed ditch-ring ditch excavations. Finds of medieval pottery, dated around 1200-1300, 1100-1200, around 1350-1450: one sherd had a medieval rim but a late Saxon fabric type (St Neots). Saxon-medieval contexts produced charcoal and a small amount of decayed bone. Medieval finds included tile also, possibly metal, glass and fired clay. Dating evidence for the post-medieval included a pottery sherd of salt-glazed stoneware, probably 17th-early 18th century. Post-medieval tile and clay pipe were found, also fired clay, glass and metal. <2> Finds deposited with Thurrock Museum. <3> For aerial photograph and photo refs, see EHER 5158. Aerial photograph <4> <5>. Additional references <6> <7> <8>. Site Assessment: See EHER 5158. Information from NRHE: Cropmarks of field boundaries representing the fragmentary remains of a field system of probable post-medieval date. The field system is centred at TQ 6515 8045 and overlies the cropmarks of a Neolithic causewayed enclosure, Iron Age enclosure and Saxon ring ditches. These features were plotted by the RCHME Air Photography Unit in September 1994. This survey formed part of the larger 'Industry and Enclosure in the Neolithic' Project. <10>