Eighteenth to nineteenth century drainage bank and gravel pit, Crescent Road (EHER 7798)

Archaeological excavation in 1972 recorded a drainage channel which formed part of a system laid out when the Blackwater was canalised in the later 18th century. Also recorded was a large 19th century gravel pit which defined the eastern edge of the site. Medieval and post-medieval pottery was recovered.

1972. Archaeological excavation. The eastern edge of the site was defined by a large 19th century gravel pit. The southern edge of the site was formed by a drainage channel, part of a system laid out when the Blackwater was canalised in the later 18th century. The western limit coincided with a fairly recent ditch filled with dark brown pebbly loam and containing medieval and post-medieval pottery and peg tile. Two pits were cut into the drainage channel in recent times. One contained post-medieval pottery and peg tile and a 15th-16th century pottery mercury container. <1> Finds and excavation archive are held at Colchester Museum. <2> <3> Note: The material described in this record may be associated with the settlement at Elms Farm, see EHER 81917.