Possible 10th century 'burh' ditch and post-medieval features, EEV Site, Gate Street (EHER 14549)

Test pitting in 1992 recorded several post-medieval and undated ditches and pits. Whilst a number of ditches were found on the projected route of the 10th century burh ditch (EHER 7766) in Test Pit 4, only one is really a likely candidate as a defensive ditch. However, this feature produced only indisputably post-medieval material and is therefore uncertain.

1992. Test pitting. The archaeological evaluation at the EEV site, Gate Street, revealed a number of features interpreted as either ditches or pits, the majority of which are either late 18th to early 20th century in date, or undated. Pottery recovered from the test pits included locally made earthenwares and a sherd of Delft from the 17th century. The remaining pottery was modern. Of interest were a number of bottle dumps containing early 20th century bottles, deposited by the brewery. Whilst a number of ditches were found on the projected route of the 10th century burh ditch (EHER 7766) in Test Pit 4, only one is really a likely candidate as a defensive ditch. There is a problem with the identification of this ditch with the Saxon burh ditch, however, in that the only dating evidence from it is indisputably post-medieval in date, moreover only a portion of one edge was discovered, the remainder lying under baulks carrying pipes and cables. <1> <2> Note: This record should be considered alongside the record for the burh defence, EHER 7766.