Possibly Roman or medieval building remains, on the site of St Nicholas' Old Church, Hall Farm (EHER 5354)

Archaeological excavation in 1975 recorded a significant amount of Roman tile and brick, much of which was incorporated into the remains of two structures. One of the features appeared to be the foundations to a building, though it was unclear if the building itself was Roman or an earlier precursor to the church.

1975. Archaeological excavation. 'There was a significant amount of Roman tile and probable Roman brick on the site', though it was only actually incorporated in two structures. The latter included a foundation composed of brick fragments set in mortar with flint and greensand. A large piece of tegula seems to have come from the other feature. Other fragments of tegula were also found, also imbrex and probable Roman brick fragments. It is not clear if these two features are from Roman structures or from an early church that re-used Roman materials. What is clear is that there were Roman remains close enough for Roman brick and tile to be available for use in the building of the church. A sherd of Belgic pottery, 1st century AD and probably post-conquest, was found in one of the possible graves that were excavated (see EHER 5355). <1> Finds in Chelmsford Museum. <2> Four photos of excavation in record. <3> Site Assessment: Site recommended for scheduling in 1975. <4>