Probably medieval field system at Orsett 'Cock' (EHER 1861)

It has been suggested that the rectilinear field and road system of the Thurrock area is Roman in origin. Two ditches which contradict the field system alignment were recorded during excavations at the Orsett 'Cock' enclosure and probably date to the medieval period.

It has been suggested that the rectilinear field and road system of the Thurrock area is Roman in origin. The old Brentwood Road is a possible element in this. Its line was probably laid out before the outer ditch of the Orsett 'Cock' enclosure ceased to be a landscape feature. The south east corner of this enclosure is apparently preserved on the east side of the road. Two ditches ran across the enclosure, north-south. Other than gravel pits they were later than all the related features except an east-west boundary ditch which was later than one of the north-south ditches. The latter may have respected two earlier features. It is inferred that the rectilinear boundary-ditches in the area of the enclosure are more likely to be post-Roman than earlier in date, though more evidence is needed. <1> <2> See EHER 1860 for aerial photographs and <3> <4>. See EHER 5191 for adjacent cropmarks. Note: The mapped polygon depicts the location of the monument and does not necessarily reflect its extent.