Roman cremations, Cherry Orchard Brickfield (EHER 9552)

Several Roman cremation burials and associated ceramic vessels were recorded on the site of Cherry Orchard Brickfield in the 1950s. These are thought to date from the 2nd century AD.

In 1953 a grave or graves were disturbed (source <1> gives the NGR TQ 8575 8950). Two Samian platters (f18/31) were found. Although illegibly stamped, one might be read 'ELVILLI.M'. Also found, two cups of f33, stamped 'CIITVS FII' and 'CALENDIO', a small f35 and a decorated beaker of f67; a large cylindrical flagon of blue-green glasss; an unusual grey beaker with dotted panels; a buff flagon of f155; an iron lamp-holder; fragments of pottery; animal bones and nails. Source <1> has a photo of the finds. The date of the deposit is approximately 120-140 AD. Finds are in Southend Museum (see <4>). Between 1953-1956, three other cremation burial groups were found on the same site. These are also in Southend Museum (see <5>). Considerable Iron Age occupation have also been observed here, see EHER 9553. <1> - <5> The Ordnance Survey investigator suggested the whole of the first burial might have been in a chest originally. The OS cards TQ88NE01 and TQ88NE02 record the same monument, ie. The first burial to be found. OS card TQ88NE01 gives NGR TQ 8576 8950, and TQ88NE02 gives a centred NGR TQ 8575 8970. <6> <7> <8> 1991. Fieldwalking. Fields B, C and D produced a small amount of burnt flint and some modern pottery but as these fields had been subject to mineral extraction there was little expectation of finds (see EHER 9552-9556). <9> See also <10> <11>. NRHE data import: Considerable Iron Age occupation was noted. Helliwell <12> mentions indefinite foundations of mortar and flint noted in 1953 at TQ 8577 8948. <12> states that a further group of three vessels, an urn, a flagon and a beaker were found here in October, 1956. This must be associated with the three groups previously found in the same brickfield in 1953 and 1954, all in the Prittlewell Priory collections. Nothing visible on air photographs. <13>