Neolithic finds assemblage, Crescent Road (EHER 7792)

Archaeological excavation in 1972 recorded an assemblage of later Neolithic residual flintwork from an industry of largely 'ad hoc' flake production. Also recovered was a possible abraded Neolithic stone axe and a sparse residual assemblage of Neolithic pottery sherds.

March-May 1972. Archaeological excavation. Residual flintwork was found here in excavations in 1972. Most of the flints represented an industry of largely 'ad hoc' flake production, probably later Neolithic. The only definitely datable piece is an oblique arrowhead. In addition, a small fragment of worn stone may be a fragment of amphibolite or hornblende-gneiss, the nearest source being the Malvern Hills. This was found in an Iron Age post hole, explicable if the stone was an abraded fragment of a Neolithic stone axe. Sparse residual finds of earlier prehistoric pottery included what could be rims from plain Neolithic bowls. Also an abraded sherd of beaker with twisted cord decoration. Fifteen sherds of grog-tempered fabric are like local examples of grooved ware so a late Neolithic date is possible for them. The absence of earlier prehistoric features reflects the small size of the site in relation to the prehistoric landscape. <1> Finds and excavation archive are held at Colchester Museum. <2> <3> See also <4>. Note: The material described in this record may be associated with the settlement at Elms Farm, see EHER 17444.