Roman vessels, pottery sherds, and possible cemetery, Leigh Beck Point to Canvey Point (EHER 9683)

Pottery has often been washed out of the mud near these points at the eastern end of Canvey Island. Nothing could be identified during a 1953 field visit. It has been suggested that the large quantity of whole vessels indicates a cemetery.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Pottery has often been washed out of the mud near these points at the eastern end of Canvey Island. In about 1925-6, 27 vessels and fragments of 8 others were found near Canvey Point and date from the late 1st to early 3rd century. The forms include stamped sherds f31 and f29. Note in VCH says that some of this pottery probably came from the garden of Mr Charles Stamp. In 1935 two vessels and a rim were found on the same site (see <5> <6>). In 1926-7 much pottery was dredged up near Leigh Beck Point (see <5>, <7> - <9>). It includes a bowl of f32 (stamped); a shallow bowl of f18/31; a small flagon; a cup of buff ware; and a small vase. The complete vessels suggest a cemetery (see <5>). Vessels of imitation Samian, also a bowl, two cups and a bowl of dark grey ware were found in 1927 at the eastern end of the island (in Passmore Edwards Museum, see <10>). In 1956 and 1960 the staff at Southend Museum found many pottery fragments in the area including a dish or bowl of Drag. F35/36 (probably before 200AD); a bowl of f38 (2nd to 3rd century); others of f40; also a cup of f33 and a dish of Curle type 15 (2nd to 3rd century). Also various potters' marks. All are in Southend Museum. <1> - <11> The pottery was probably found on the foreshore at low tide or recovered by dredging operations. <12> <13> April 1953. Field visit. Nothing to be seen; area covered by sand and shingle. <14> See also: <15> - <17>