Roman field and track system, South of Downhouse Farm (EHER 7401)

In 1979 an irrigation pipeline was laid from the newly constructed reservoir to the corner of the `Old Mount' woods (see EHER 3066 for medieval moated site in woods) and thence eastward. Uncovered were sections of three ditches and two pits demonstrating that the field and track system was Roman and of several phases. A lot of finds were in the features, considering the short length examined, including pottery (including the base of a Colchester colour-coat beaker) and a lump of ironstone (iron ore or possibly from the track metalling), and a little roofing tile. The date of the field system seems to be 1st and 2nd century.

Salvage recording, 1979 In 1979 an irrigation pipeline was laid from the newly constructed reservoir to the corner of the `Old Mount' woods (see EHER 3066 for medieval moated site in woods) and thence eastward. The pipeline crossed part of a cropmark complex of field systems, trackways and pits (site EHER 3068 for cropmarks). The sections of three ditches and two pits were observed, demonstrating that the field and track system was Roman and of several phases. Two ditches were parallel and 6m apart and there was evidence for metalling between the ditches and possibly an external bank also. Two `post holes' may have been from a fence or hedge between the ditches. A lot of finds were in the features, considering the short length examined, including pottery (including the base of a Colchester colour-coat beaker) and a lump of ironstone (iron ore or possibly from the track metalling), and a little roofing tile. The date of the field system seems to be 1st and 2nd century. <1> <2> <3> See EHER 7397 for Roman pottery from the moated site. AP<4>