Early Anglo-Saxon sunken featured buildings and other features, Crescent Road (EHER 7796)

Archaeological excavation in 1972 recorded five 5th century sunken featured buildings (Grubenhauser) and a probable 'ground level' post-built structure represented by a series of post holes and greensand blocks. All five grubenhauser were small and aligned approximately east-west and are variations on the two-post type, except one (GH5) which has four posts and a shallow, almost square pip. A large assemblage of early Anglo Saxon pottery was also recovered.

March-May 1972. Archaeological excavation. Five grubenhäuser (sunken featured buildings) and a probable ground level building, sited within the Romano-British small town (EHER 17445) at Heybridge, were excavated in advance of a housing development in 1972. All five grubenhäuser were small and aligned approximately east-west and are variations on the two-post type, except one (GH5) which has four posts and a shallow, almost square pip. A series of post holes associated with some greensand blocks may represent a ground-level structure. Other pits and post holes are associated. Some 724 sherds (8.30 kg) of early Saxon pottery was recovered; over half of which came from the fills of the grubenhäuser. The forms included carinated bowls and globular jars. Unfortunately no diagnostically Saxon metalwork was recovered. The occupation was dated to first half of the 5th century using the pottery forms. <1> Finds of pottery of Anglo Saxon date, were made in 1972 during the excavation of a roughly 1600 square m site at Crescent Road, Heybridge. Post holes were taken as indicative of Saxon hut sites. <2> <3> September 1976. Field visit. The area of the 1972 excavations is now covered by modern housing. <4> Earliest form of the name 913 Maeldune, Derivation: hill marked with a cross. <5> Five sunken featured buildings (Grubenhäuser) were found at TL 850 082. <6> Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import. NRHE summary description: A multi period settlement with evidence of Bronze Age, Iron Age, Romano-British and Early Medieval occupation. A Bronze Age hut and an Iron Age enclosed settlement were found with circular and rectangular structures. There is evidence for 2nd, 3rd and 4th century Roman occupation which Rodwell suggests is a town, and recent excavations would tend to confirm this. 5 Grubenhäuser of early Anglo-Saxon date were excavated. Note: The material described in this record may be associated with the settlement at Elms Farm, see EHER 17446.