Multi-period cropmark complex at Langford Hall Farm and Reservoir (EHER 7870)

An extensive multi-period cropmark complex consisting of enclosures, ring ditches, barrows, linear features, trackways and pits. The site has been partially excavated in 1984, 1995 and 1996 and the results of these excavations are recorded separately: see EHER 81845 for the Mesolithic finds assemblage, EHER 7871 for the Neolithic to Bronze Age barrow cemetery, EHER 45968 for the Middle Iron Age enclosures and ditched trackway, and EHER 81846 for the Late Iron Age to Roman enclosure and field system. These records also provide detail on parts of the cropmark plot which have not yet been excavated but which have been interpreted.

Cropmarks of enclosures, ring ditches, linear features, trackways. Site on river gravel, under plough. <1> The cropmark plot shows various enclosure types, field system(?), pits, trackways, linear features, ring ditches. <2> A plan in the EHER shows a cropmark complex and the location of a watching brief (see EHER 7871). <3> <4> Part of the complex showed as a soilmark in early March 1993. <5> Part of this site has been excavated. <6> Note: Please see EHER 81845 for the Mesolithic finds assemblage, EHER 7871 for the Neolithic to Bronze Age barrow cemetery, EHER 45968 for the Middle Iron Age enclosures and ditched trackway and EHER 81846 for the Late Iron Age to Roman enclosure and field system. See also <7>. See aerial photographs <8> - <58>. Note: The ditched trackway appears to continue to the east, see EHER 7985. NRHE data import: TL 822089: Cropmarks, ring ditches and recent field boundary (shown on 6" Ordnance Survey map) visible on aerial photographs <59> <60> <61>. The cropmarks visible on the above air photographs may represent the sites of three barrows or ring groove timber houses. They have been sited approximately at:- 'A' TL 8228 0893; 9.0m. diameter with gap on south-west side. 'B' TL 8217 0880; 10.0m. diameter with gap on south-east side. 'C' TL 8224 0880; 10.0m. diameter with gap on south-east side. October 1976. Field survey. Nothing visible on the ground. The sites lie on low river gravel at present under plough. <62> TL 845 088. A vague rectangular enclosure was noted as a cropmark on the west side of Heybridge Wood. It appears to be partitioned off at one end and, perhaps, double ditched. Most likely to be prehistoric or Roman. <63>