Remains of mid to late 17th century building, Old Hall Marshes (EHER 11506)

Partially destroyed. The ruins of a brick building from approximately 1650-1700 which has been variously interpreted as the possible remains of a chapel or a salt house/drying store associated with salt production. When visited in 1960 it was noted to have been built from red brick, but it was no longer visible when visited in 1995 and 1999.

17th century building. The remains of a building, possibly a chapel, dated to approximately 1650-1700. <1> <2> Ruins of a brick building of circa 1650-1700. Suggested by Colchester Excavation Committee to be a salt house or works. <3> May 1960. Field survey. The foundations of a building situated in pastureland on the banks of a creek known as Pennyhole Fleet. The structure was 10.0 m. square, was built of narrow red brick and had an entrance in the east wall. The remains comprise low mounds of brick and mortar, partially turf-covered, with an apparently complete absence of timber, stone or tile. The purpose of the building cannot therefore be determined, but the bricks date it to the 17th century or earlier. <4> 1995. Field survey. No visible sign of house platform. <5> 1999. Field survey. During survey of Old Hall Marshes by English Heritage (Cambridge Office) in September 1999, the building could not be located due to heavy vegetation and reed cover. Nothing is visible on aerial photographs. Its location between two large creeks leading from Penny Hole Fleet would be consistent with its use as a salt house or works. If it was part of a medieval saltern then it may have been a drying store. <6> See also <7> <8>. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import.