Site of Medieval croft, Ash Tree Corner (EHER 6187)

Excavation in advance of the Little Waltham bypass. In the 12th century a croft was established at the Medieval road junction, consisting principally of a fenced enclosure around 40.0m. by 25,0m. containing a posthole structure circa 8.50m by 3.50m. overall, which had a relatively short life; subsequently the site reverted to agriculture.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Excavation in advance of the Little Waltham bypass was carried out in 1970-1971. The main period represented was iron age (see EHER 6185). Earlier and later phases of occupation were also uncovered, including medieval remains, though no Saxon features or finds were recovered (there may have been Saxo-Norman occupation east of the river where Saxo-Norman pottery has been found). 12th century occupation in excavation area B (one of two areas opened) produced 2 groups of features. The first phase comprised two shallow ditches that were not contemporary though no sequence was obtained. This boundary line was continued by a gully and 2 shallow post holes, then by a 2 phase feature, possibly a fence setting. The feature probably indicates a field boundary with 2 main phases at least, initially with a gap-this was closed later. In the 2nd phase a palisaded enclosure was constructed of which 2 sides were found in the angle of the main road. Its overall size was estimated at 40m x 25m, ie 0.1ha. No entrance was found but a small building was found within. This was a 3-bayed structure whose south, long wall was defined by the main posts alone. The north, long wall had intermediate posts and the main posts in this wall were less substantial. No trace of the gable walls were found, suggesting that they were not load-bearing. It is suggested that the building was a 'primitive-framed' structure with the south wall more or less open, suggesting an agricultural use (though the building is only slightly smaller than the 11th century or earlier houses found at Goltho). The east end of the building was later rebuilt on a different line. 2 post holes to the south west of this building indicate another structure-possibly the main one-that had mostly been destroyed by earlier road-widening works. The life of the small, excavated building is estimated at 20-30 years and a start date of around 1175 is suggested. A gully or slot seemed to be later than most of the early medieval features, producing pottery of seemingly early 13th century date. When the croft was abandoned occupation ended. Later features were agricultural or related to nearby occupation. Probably 14th century features comprised a pit, 2 post holes and a ditch. The latter was probably part of an enclosure destroyed, mostly, by later gravel quarrying. A shallow hollow produced 13th-14th century finds. In the excavations' area A a system of enclosures related to the house 'Foxtons' are considered to be medieval, possibly 12th century in origin. One ditch went out of use in the 14th or 15th centuries (from pottery). Another produced 12th century pottery. The line of the road passing through the area (the A131) seems to have developed as a hollow way in the medieval period <1> Finds in Chelmsford Museum <2> Other ref: <3><4><5>