Probable Early-Middle Iron Age field system and possible settlement at Orsett 'Cock' (EHER 1857)

Excavations in 1956-1957, 1960-1961 and 1968-1970 recovered Early to Middle Iron Age finds but no archaeological features. A probable field system with enclosure and pennanular gullies are recorded as cropmarks. Together the material is suggested to be evidence of Early to Middle Iron Age activity. The material may be associated with the settlement of this date at the Orsett causewayed enclosure to the south (EHER 5159).

Site of enclosure, first recognised 1946 as a cropmark. Trial trenched in 1956-1957. Watching briefs carried out 1960-1961, 1968-1970. Finds included a scatter of Early-Middle Iron Age pottery, flint-tempered (residual). No features could certainly be ascribed to these periods. Cropmarks of what was interpreted as a small `Celtic' field system with the enclosure and cropmarks of pennanular gullies were suggested as belonging to this period. <1> <2> <3> Small amounts of Early and Middle Iron Age pottery from the site but mostly residual. <4> <5> See also <7> - <10>. See aerial photographs <11> <12>. Site Management: Site descheduled 1988 after destruction by road works. <6> Site Assessment: Accession numbers for finds? Note: The mapped polygon depicts the location of the monument and does not necessarily reflect its extent.