Roman cremation cemetery, Cardfield's Farm, Nounsley (EHER 5584)

Roman cemetery found in 1931, around 300yds (274 m) south west of where iron age finds had been made three years previously (see EHER 5583).

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Roman cemetery found in 1931, around 300yds (274 m)south west of where iron age finds had been made three years previously (see EHER 5583). 12 graves, in 2 lines about 3yds (2.7m) apart, were found. The graves yielded the following reparable vessels that are in Colchester Museum: a large brown-grey jar (Cam f260, approx.) with cremation, a small ovoid brown beaker, small Samian bowl (f42), a large brown flask containing a cremation, a coarse grey urn, a globular cooking pot with grooved shoulder, a platter, a small beaker with lid containing a cremation, a thin light grey well-polished beaker (f120) with a cremation, a coarse brown urn with body grooves. Broken vessels were a 2nd coarse brown urn containing a cremation and a small red beaker. Date range of around 75-100 Eight vessels have been repaired and are in Colchester Museum (CM 419-421-28). The site was examined by Mr E.J Rudsdale.<1> Finds in Colchester Museum <2> Iron age remains came from brickfield-Roman ones too? Brickworks have been levelled and are under plough <3> <4> <5> Shown on SMR map as find spot only, though recorded as cemetery on NAR. Other reference: <6> Field survey, 1949 The brickworks have been demolished, the ground levelled and now under plough. <7> Field survey, 1987 The present owner of Cardfield Farm since 1959 is Mr Nelms, resident at and owner of Gardener's Farm. He knew nothing about the discoveries on his land and has found nothing since he has owned the farm. The finds were all presumably made in the old brickworks which have been levelled. The area is now cultivated, but the field was in crop and could not be walked. <8> Iron Age 'C' and Roman burial urns found from time to time, especially in 1928. Now in Colchester Museum <9> Additional reference <10>