Medieval salt-working complex, Morris Farm, Stow Maries (EHER 13563)

A medieval salt-working complex situated on Morris Farm

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. Medieval salt working mounds. Mounds near head of Clementsgreen Creek and within the sea wall. The three mounds are of irregular shape, no trace of red earth. Located 1.5 miles SW of the church. <1> <2> Mounds near head of Clementsgreen Creek and within the sea-wall. Three mounds (depicted on OS 6' 1974) irregular in shape and apparently of tipped material but without a trace of red earth. Possibly connected with Medieval salt workings. (Additional mounds shown on OS County Series 6' Essex 61 SE 1872-3 at TL 81689734 and TL 81849741). <4> The earthworks are the only surviving element of several salt-working complexes which once clustered around Clementsgreen Creek and which have been termed the 'Hull Bridge Group'. <4> There is also a reference on the OS card to RAF aerial photographs. <5> <6> The complex is located on the former Stow Marsh, to the south-west of Morris Farm, 1.5km north of the River Crouch. Earthworks consist of a series of platforms, mounds, banks and ditches covering an area of 9.85 hectares. <6> <10> Aerial photographs <7>-<9> A survey and analysis of the earthworks was carried out in 2002. The medieval salt-working complex is a rare example of a once common industry, with at least 3 complexes known to have been situated around Clementsgreen Creek alone. The full extent of the Morris farm complex is unclear, although it certainly continued west and possibly north and east. The complex was likely to have been active from c.1350-1650. <10> Aerial photographs <11> - <14> Additional references <15> <16> <17>