Undated cropmarks of a ring ditch, linear features and pits, Slough Farm, Martells Quarry, near Ardleigh (EHER 2462)

Cropmarks, showing ring ditch, linear features, and many large pits-some in a circular grouping possibly (perhaps agricultural-chemical?). An evaluation of the area was undertaken in 2017 by AOC. Of 82 trenches 62 contained no archaeological data; the features were of Roman or prehistoric in date though some were undatable.

Cropmarks, showing ring ditch, linear features, and many large pits-some in a circular grouping possibly (perhaps agricultural-chemical). <1>-<9> In 2017, AOC undertook an archaeological evaluation at Slough Farm, Martell's Quarry, near Ardleigh, Essex; NGR: TM 04780 27780. Eighty-two trenches were excavated with 62 containing no archaeological features. Some of the features were lacking in dating evidence, and may be prehistoric, but without finds, conclusions are unproved. Of interest are two parts of a circular enclosure in the southwest of the field, interpreted as a ring ditch in Trench 30 and two possible enclosure ditches in Trench 38. Roman features were also present, being a 1st century ditch in Trench 16, and later period Roman ditches in Trench 73 and 79, Other features, where dated, proved to be modern. Where undated features were identified, their date can only be surmised. Two smaller features, one a definite post hole was identified, suggesting that there is other activity being carried out on the site other than field boundaries. <10> <11> Information from NRHE TM 04612770. Slough Farm, Ardleigh. A single ring, 75 feet in diameter, lies south of Martell's gravel pit. <3> Nothing visible on available air photographs. <9>