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CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK ESSEX
EXCAVATION AND SURVEY
ASSESSMENT AND UPDATED PROJECT DESIGN
February 2005
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CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK ESSEX
EXCAVATION AND SURVEY
ASSESSMENT AND UPDATED PROJECT DESIGN
Prepared by E. Heppell
February 2005
With contributions by D. Goodburn J. Compton Dr D.E. Robinson Dr S.K. Haslett C. Locatelli C. Groves I. Tyers J. Meadows A. Bayliss
Edited by N. Brown
Essex County Council Historic Environment Branch
Field Archaeology Unit Fairfield Court, Fairfield Road, Braintree Essex CM7 3YQ
Tel: 01376 331431
Historic Environment Management County Hall, Chelmsford. CM1 1HQ
Tel: 01245 437640
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1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1.1 Description of area 1.2 Archaeological Background
2.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
3.0 METHOD
4.0 STRUCTURE OF REPORT
5.0 SUMMARY OF RESULTS
6.0 FACTUAL DATA 6.1 Quantity of Records
7.0 SITE A 7.1 General Description
7.2 Group 86 Description Wood Technology (DG) Dating Discussion
7.3 Group 126 Description Wood Technology (DG) Dating Discussion
7.4 Group 127 Description Wood Technology (DG) Dating Discussion
7.5 Site A: Discussion
8.0 SITE B 8.1 Description 8.2 Wood Technology (DG) 8.3 Dating 8.4 Discussion
9.0 POSSIBLE BEACON N OF SITE B 9.1 Description 9.2 Wood Technology (DG) 9.3 Discussion (DG)
10.0 TRACKWAY 10.1 Description 10.2 Discussion
11.0 TEST PITS 11.1 Description 1170
11.2 Discussion
12.0 THE FORT 12.1 Description 12.2 Discussion
13.0 SITE C 13.1 Description 13.2 Wood Technology (DG) 13.3 Dating 13.4 Discussion
14.0 SPECIALIST REPORTS 14.1 Artefacts (JC) 14.2 Environmental (DER) 14.3 Forminifera (SH) 14.4 Dating (JM, CL)
15.0 STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL 15.1 General 15.2 The Fort and Quay 15.3 Site B 15.4 The Possible Beacon 15.5 The Trackway 15.6 Test Pits 15.7 Site C 15.8 Artefacts 15.9 Environmental 15.10 Sea Levels
16.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BIBLIOGRAPHY 1170
FIGURES Fig 1. Location Fig 2. Detailed location of sites Fig 3. Location of sites in the vicinity of the fort Fig 4. Plan of Site A Fig 5. Cross section across site A Fig 6. Timber 21: Site A Fig 7. Timber 20: Site A Fig 8. Timber 120: Beacon or watchtower post Fig 9. Beacon Posts in situ Fig 10. Sill beam at base of beacon posts Fig 11. Section of Test Pit A Fig 12. Section of Test Pit B
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CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK, ESSEX: EXCAVATION AND SURVEY ASSESSMENT
FAU Project No: 1085 District: Colchester NGR: TM 0715
Summary
Excavation and survey at Cudmore Grove were carried out in 2002-3, following a preliminary survey. The further work on the site examined three areas where wooden structures were visible eroding out of the foreshore. Site A, located close to a Tudor fort, Site B was located just to the north east of this and comprised a large number of timber posts. Site C was located below East Mersea Cliffs, and comprised a number of large timbers and associated post holes, probably post medieval in date.
Site A comprises a series of rows of timbers, orientated south west to north east, one group of which included a pair of elm sill beams (Group 126). The timbers are located on a slight promontory of firm gravels, at a height of c 1.5m OD. The landward row of timbers comprised a close set row of piles driven into the foreshore, reliable dating of this group has not been possible (Group 86).
The timbers are thought to represent two phases of activity although dating is problematic due to an absence of artefactual material and the wide date range established by radio carbon. Group 126 is though to be part of a timber framed quay frontage, presumably associated with the nearby fort. Comparison with similar features on the London waterfront would perhaps suggest a 16th-17th century date (15th-18th at the outside). Group 127 is likely to represent the remains of a barge bed, probably contemporary.
East Mersea Fort partially survives as an earthwork on the slat marsh (outside the modern sea wall). The fort was constructed in 1547, and housed 4-6 guns. It was allowed to fall into decay but was repaired in 1587 in response to the threat of the Armada. The fort was occupied by Parliamentarian forces during the siege of Colchester in 1648, as it occupies a strategic location protecting the mouth of the Colne. By 1656 the building was being used as a house, but was abandoned and decayed by 1710 (EHCR 2217).
Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 1 1170
Site B comprised an irregular row of posts, the purpose and dating of which remain elusive. The timbers were converted in a similar way to those of group 127, perhaps suggesting they were broadly contemporaneous.
To the north of Site B two substantial oak uprights became exposed. These timbers are thought to have been the base of a watchtower or beacon. They were associated with a clay deposit which contained 16th-18th century pottery.
Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 1 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 1.0 BACKGROUND 1.1 Project Background 1.1.1 Cudmore Grove Country Park is situated at the eastern end of Mersea Island (Fig. 1 and 2), and includes part of the foreshore, and the East Mersea Cliffs. The foreshore comprises sands and gravels overlying clay deposits. There are areas of salt marsh along the shoreline. East Mersea is subject to a great deal of coastal erosion, perhaps most clearly seen at the cliffs where World War II gun emplacements which once stood on the clifftop have now collapsed onto the beach. A number of schemes have been put in place in recent years to combat this, including the construction of polders and embankments.
1.1.2 East Mersea is part of the Colne National Nature Reserve, designated by English Nature, without whose co-operation this project would not have been possible. Cudmore, like much of the Essex coast, is of significant importance for nature conservation, being both a SSSI and RAMSAR site.
1.1.3 At the eastern tip of the island a sixteenth/seventeenth century fort survives as a remarkably well preserved earthwork. This site (SAM 24881, EHCR 2217) is situated on exposed salt marsh, in the Cudmore Grove Country Park. Observations by Dougal Urquhart (ECC Head Ranger, Cudmore Grove) revealed an erosion threat to the earthwork, and to substantial wooden structures, which are emerging from the mudflats of the intertidal zone, to the south and east of the fort, outside the scheduled area.
1.1.4 An initial site visit indicated that these structures were very substantial and of an unusual form and warranted further study, therefore preliminary survey was funded and carried out by Essex County Council (Heppell 2002).
1.1.5 In 2002-3 sample excavations and more detailed survey of the wooden structures was carried out, with English Heritage funding. This work targeted three main areas of interest; the substantial wooden structure to the south of the fort and possibly associated timbers (Sites A and B), the salt marsh ‘cliff’ and a further group of timbers located on the foreshore west of the main site (Site C). This assessment considers the results of this work.
1.2 Archaeological Background 1.2.1 The preliminary survey of three archaeological sites took place in March 2002 (Heppell 2002), all were located on the foreshore in the intertidal zone (Fig 3). Site A, located close to the Tudor fort , towards Mersea Stone, comprised what appeared to be a rectangular
1 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess wooden structure, with associated deposits. Site B was located just to the north east of this and comprised a large number of timber posts. Site C was located below East Mersea Cliffs, and comprised a number of large timbers and associated post holes.
1.2.2 Site A (TM 07266 15132, Fig 2) comprises a series of rows of timbers, orientated south west to north east, some with associated brushwood faggots/fascines. A sequence of and clay deposits within the structure, and wattlework between some of the posts, particularly on the north east side. There were no closely datable finds recovered from the area of the structure, although there was a notable amount of pegged roof tile in the vicinity. Thus after provisional survey structure was undated, although considered most likely to be of early post medieval date.
1.2.3 There was an irregular row of wooden posts (Site B, TM 07296 15162) running north east from the seaward side of structure A. To the north west of these wooden structures lay what appeared to be the remains of a timber and brushwood trackway, situated between sites A and B and the salt marsh edge.
1.2.4 In the eroding edge of the salt marsh a series of deposits were visible, comprising a sequence of sandy beach deposits and silts/clays. To the north of this, situated on the marsh itself, adjacent to the sea wall, are the earthworks of a Tudor fort, originally constructed in 1547 and subsequently refurbished, during the Armada scare, and for the siege of Colchester during the 2nd Civil War (EHCR 2217). The earthwork remains of East Mersea fort were not technically included as part of this study, a rapid GPS plan of the earthwork was carried out during the preliminary survey to place the other sites in context. The extant remains comprise two linear earthwork banks, which are currently overgrown by grasses.
1.2.5 Approximately 1km south west of these sites, still within the Cudmore Grove Country Park, an irregular row of posts extended seawards. This post row (Site C, TM 06584 14319) comprised very substantial untrimmed posts, some with bark still present, some with associated with smaller square posts.
2.0 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2.1 This project aimed to take forward the research priorities presented in England’s Coastal Heritage: a survey for English Heritage and the RCHME (Fulford et al 1997) and An Archaeological Research Framework for The Greater Thames Estuary (Williams and Brown 1999). In particular the proposed fieldwork will complement the survey work being
2 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess undertaken as part of the Greater Thames Estuary Essex Zone: monitoring project (Heppell and Brown 2001; Heppell 2004).
2.2 The fieldwork had four major research aims: A 1. Clarify dates of the wooden structures A 2. Further investigate their function A 3. Investigate the relationship between the wooden structures (Sites A and B), and their relationship to the earthwork fort A 4. Investigate the sequence of marsh and beach deposits to clarify the nature of the environment in which the wooden structures were built and the history of the processes which are currently affecting the fort
3.0 METHOD 3.1 Fieldwork was carried out by Essex County Council Field Archaeology Unit, under the supervision of the author. Monitoring and advice was provided by Nigel Brown of Essex County Council Heritage Advice Management and Promotion (ECC HAMP). Advice on environmental strategy was provided by Peter Murphy and Gill Campbell of English Heritage, along with the individual specialists.
3.2 The fieldwork pursued the aims of the project, outlined in section 2 above, through four main methods, which are set out below (M1-4): M 1. A trench was excavated across the southern part of Site A (approximately 3m by 15m) positioned to examine the full width of the structure, examine the apparently stratified internal deposits, and both the landward and seaward walls. It also provided the opportunity to investigate the presence or absence of an 'end wall' (intended to address A. 1-3, may assist with A4)
M 2. Detailed survey of the trackway, to the north of site A, was carried out. It was cleaned and planned to establish its extents, and a trench cut though it. This aimed to identify the extents of the structure, its stratigraphic sequence and, potentially, its relationship to the other structures (intended to address A. 1-3, may assist with A4).
M 3. More detailed survey and selected cleaning of the south end of Site B and northern end of the timber structure site A (intended to address A3 and may assist with A2).
3 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess M 4. Cleaning and recording of three 1m wide sections of the exposed salt marsh edge, and excavation of the present beach deposit at the foot of the salt marsh to establish a fuller sequence of deposits (intended to address A4 and may assist with A3).
M 5. Sampling of selected timbers of Site C with a view to establishing a dendrochronological date (A1)
M 6. Partial excavation and sampling around two posts to the north of Site B (not in Project Design, timbers not exposed when it was written)
3.3 Given location of the site in the intertidal zone, and the problems associated with working in this environment methodologies were adapted as the fieldwork progressed. These generally entailed the alteration of trench locations in order to address the aims of the project. Particular problems were encountered when trying to excavate below the level of clay deposits, in all trenches. Trenches remained relatively dry whilst excavating through salt marsh and clay deposits, however once underlying gravel and sand deposits were encountered trenches flooded rapidly. This meant that a number of the trenches had to be abandoned before a suitable depth of stratigraphy could be recorded.
3.4 All stratigraphy was recorded using the Field Archaeology Unit’s context recording system. Planning and surveying was based on trench specific grids, located in relation to the Ordnance Survey National Grid by GPS. Levels will be taken where appropriate. Sections were drawn at 1:10 and Site plans at 1:20 unless circumstances dictated otherwise.
3.5 The number of timbers on site presented a particular problem, given the limited working window available. As the majority of timbers would not be excavated many of the fields on a standard timber sheet could not be filled in. An amended sheet was therefore prepared which was filled in for each unexcavated timber. This recorded: • Context Number (context) • Area of the site • Form (eg post, pile) • Part of (Group) • Width • Height (above present surface level)
4 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess • Setting/inclination • Shape • Condition • Conversion • Re-use • Toolmarks • Presence of bark/Sapwood. Knotty or straight grained
3.5 Samples of timbers were taken from each of site areas for dendrochronological and/or radio carbon dating. Sampling was carried out under the direction of the appropriate specialists. Samples of some of the woodwork were also taken for further assessment of the wood technology.
3.6 As the majority of the work at Cudmore Grove concentrated on the wooden structures the wood technology assessment, by D. Goodburn of Museum of London Specialist Services, formed a key part of the study. The wood technology report has therefore been closely incorporated into this text.
3.7 Environmental samples were taken to assess geoarchaeological and paleoenvironmental potential. Samples were also sent for forminifera analysis.
4.0 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT 4.1 The results of the excavations at Cudmore Grove are presented by site area (Sections 7- 14). Each site is described, relevant specialist reports incorporated and dating information provided. Each site is provided with a short discussion. A general discussion of the sites can be found in section 16, which also sets out the statement of potential. Recommendations can be found in section 17 (further detailed in the Updated Project Design).
4.2 Illustrations can be found at the rear of the report
5.0 SUMMARY OF RESULTS 5.1 The archaeological survey and excavation work at Cudmore Grove did, in general produce enough evidence to address the broad aims of the Project Design, particularly A2. The assessment has established that the main structure at Site A is a timber fronted quayside, with a landward revetment which may post date it. A possible beacon tower
5 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess has also been identified. More problematic is the timber alignment at Site B which could be reveting of the marsh edge or some sort of fish trap. Site C almost certainly is a revetment protecting the base of the cliffs.
6.0 FACTUAL DATA 6.1 QUANTITY OF RECORDS 6.1.1 In total 125 contexts were recorded during the excavations, the majority of which were timbers. An additional 2 group numbers were assigned during initial post-excavation. The records comprise:
• 2 context register sheets • 48 Context sheets • 77 timber records • 1 soil sample register sheet • 6 Soil sample sheets • 9 level register sheets • 1 Plan Register • 18 Plan sheets • 2 large plan sheets • 1 section register • 8 Section sheets
6.1.2 In addition to the hand drawn plans detailed above digital planning of the general area took place, using the GPS. This data was converted to .shp files (for use in ArcView). A total of 12 shapefiles were prepared (preliminary survey and excavation).
6.1.3 Radio Carbon dating of samples from the wooden structures produced post medieval dates for all the timbers. The following sections therefore describe the results of the excavations by area.
7.0 SITE A 7.1 General Description 7.2.1 Site A comprises a series of rows of timbers, orientated south west to north east (Fig 4). At the time of the preliminary survey two rows were identified (Group 86 and part of Group 126). However further cleaning which took place as part of the excavations identified further rows (part of Group 126 and Group 127). Between the rows was a clay
6 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess deposit. The rows of timbers are located on a slight promontory of firm gravels, at a height of c 1.5m OD.
Plan of Site A
7.2 Group 86: Revetment 7.2.1 Description 7.2.1.1 The landward row of posts/piles (Group 86) was made up of 38 timbers, mainly of cleft elm. This row was 12m long and faced with broom facines or faggots which were still extant in places. This lay below a thin clay deposit.
7.2.1.2 Two test pits were excavated to the north west and south east of this row of timbers (Test Pits D1 and D2). This aimed to establish if these posts/piles were driven or placed in post holes. These pits were excavated to a depth of 0.5m and 0.4m below present surface level. The pits were excavated through clay deposits down to a loose sandy gravel layer at which point excavation had to be abandoned due to flooding. No evidence of post hole cuts was identified suggesting that the timbers were pile driven.
7.2.1.3 Attempts to lift one of these piles for detailed assessment proved to be impossible. The sand and gravel deposits were excavated from around the base of timber 62, until 1.2m of it was exposed. There was however no evidence of the pile narrowing to a point and it remained firmly embedded in the sands and gravels. Further excavation proved impractical. Any attempt to retrieve posts from this structure would require some considerable investment in pumping arrangements and engineering solutions to lifting and transporting the post.
7.2.1.4 To the south west of Group 86 three further test pits were excavated (Test Pits D 3, 4 and 5). These were excavated through the clay deposits noted in the centre of the structure
7 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess to establish the stratigraphic sequence, recover artefactual and environmental evidence. The limits of the clay deposits to the south west of Group 86 were clear in plan, however to the north west (landward) of this row it was difficult to establish the limits (if any) due to the presence of shifting loose sands and gravels.
7.2.1.5 A similar sequence of clays to that noted in test pits D1 and D2 was noted in these trenches. This was however interspersed at the lower levels with black stained layers of silty sand. These layer were, in general dipping southwards, perhaps suggesting the infilling of a slight hollow or channel landward of a possible sand/ gravel ridge noted at the south west end of D5. As with the other test pits the clay deposits overlay sands and gravels, when this horizon was encountered excavation had to be abandoned due to flooding.
7.2.1.6 Interpreting the nature of the clay deposits within the structure is problematic. There was a paucity of artefactual material with only the occasional fragment of post medieval roof tile and brick recovered.
7.2.1.7 Two samples were submitted for forminifera assessment from the lower clays (close to the junction with the sands,) and the upper clays. The characteristics of the formins from the lower clays might indicate emplacement by a naturally occurring high magnitude event, such as a storm, or through human activity The assemblage from the upper clays possibly indicates deposition on a low salt marsh surface near a junction with unvegetated tidal flats (Haslett, S; this report).
7.2.1.8 The suggestion that the lower part of the sequence may be the result of human activity, coupled with the presence of the broom along the edge of the timbers and on the of the clay deposits may suggest that they are associated with the construction of Group 86.
7.2.2 Wood Technology (D. Goodburn MOLSS) 7.2.2.1 This structure survived as an erosion truncated line of 38 very irregular small piles and large stakes. The uprights varied from roundwood 100mm in diameter to irregular cleft ½ logs c. 200mm in diameter to fine radially cleft elements up to 200mm wide and c. 80mm thick . The piles were set on c. 0.4m centres except in the middle area where they were closer spaced. Any planking or other reveting timbers they must have once retained had been removed by erosion, decay and possibly salvaging . Many of the piles stood proud of the foreshore by up to 300mm and all those lightly cleaned eg. [60]-[63] showed the clear characteristics of timber of the elm family. What is remarkable about this is that
8 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess many of the uprights had been made by deliberate splitting or ‘cleaving’. Elm timber, rarely amongst native timber, has interlocked grain which normally prevents controlled splitting of long lengths in logs over a few cms in diameter hence its deliberate selection for use for split resistance in wheel hubs etc. Normally we would expect cleft uprights to be of oak or latterly chestnut as both types of timber have a structure suitable for controlled splitting and are both more naturally rot resistant than elm. The use of elm in this way is remarkable and must represent a local tradition of work that was quite rustic compared to that normally seen on the Thames frontage in London in the 16th century. The uprights were minimally trimmed with axes with a point on the lower ends. It proved impossible to fully extract any one example but it is clear they must have survived in the region of 1 to 1.2m long, whilst their original length would probably have been c. 2.3m to extend to the level of the contemporary mean high water spring tide level. The parent logs varied from 100mm to 400mm in diameter for the widest radially cleft uprights eg. piles [57] and [62] etc. Some of the lower, butt logs were clearly straight enough to allow fine radial cleaving whilst other smaller logs were too knotty to allow more than quartering or halving eg. piles [53], and [63] etc.
7.2.2.2 Today elms can be found growing along the banks of the Thames estuary and its tributaries even down to the edge of the foreshore in some places, and archaeological work has shown that this was the case in late medieval and early Post-Medieval times. In coastal south Essex and north Kent the timber can also be found used with often rather knotty, distorted oak in standing buildings eg. in the moved remains of Hornchurch Chaplaincy. It seems that such materials were local to this site and the rather gnarled, twisted oaks of what remains of the Cudmore Grove wood on the earth cliff to the south may well be survivors of this local woodland type minus the elm component due to the recent Dutch Elm Disease epidemic. The shape, conversion type and size of the uprights in Group 86 suggests that all the useable parts of perhaps two medium sized elms were used to make them.
7.2.2.3 The tool kit required for the relatively simple woodwork of producing the piles appears to have included a felling axe, and maul with set of wedges, with these simple tools the woodworkers felled and lopped the parent elms. They may have been cross-cut with either a large saw and/or by axe at this period but the key evidence did not survive in this case. Although faint axe marks could be seen here and there on the lower parts of the exposed elements, the pointed tips were not seen and in consequence no clear full axe stop marks could be recorded.
9 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 7.2.2.4 The size of the larger piles is above that which could be driven by a large maul (heavy mallet) and so must have been driven using a two person post rammer of some kind or perhaps most likely a small pile driver. Simple pile drivers operated from a large boat or barge would have been the most likely option perhaps requiring a minimum crew of 5 men to operate? N/B Many of the general points on the production of the raw materials etc also apply to the other elm pile and stake groups found.
7.2.2.5 The ‘brushwood layer’ was identified as broom faggots which was used to make besom type brooms. Broom faggots, similar to recent willow ‘fascines’ used in polder building and sea defence work in England and the Netherlands, were apparently laid down as a working surface and foundation mat for the building of the new quay frontage to seaward of the Group 86 structure. Groups of similarly aligned stems that must once have been bundled faggots had just survived the erosion of the last 350 years in patches (see site photos). Some of these patches had a linear shape and occasional small stakes, especially near the Group 86 pile line, and were initially interpreted as possible trackways. However, occasional stakes would have been needed to prevent the faggots floating away before the land-filling was complete. Broom now grows just inland of the site and must have been widely used for fuel faggots on Mersea, so it is likely they would have been easily available.
7.2.3 Dating 7.2.3.1 Timber [58], and oak roundwood pile at the south west end of group 86 was sampled for scientific dating. A date of 270+/- 50 was established by radio carbon dating, this was calibrated to 1480-1950. Timber [70] an elm roundwood pile from this row was also sampled. This dated to 240 +/- 50, calibrated to 1510-1950.
7.2.4 Discussion 7.2.4.1 It seems likely that this row of timbers was put in place to either revet a particularly vulnerable section of marsh face or a landing place.
7.3 Group 126 7.3.1 General 7.3.1.1 Seaward of group 86, and parallel with it, the preliminary survey identified two substantial elm sill beams [20] and [21], with associated posts along the front of them. This row comprised oak timbers either whole or quartered, and ran for 16m (Group 126). An additional row of posts/piles, c.1m landward of these beams. These too were of oak (also part of Group 126). In contrast with Group 86 which stood proud of the foreshore only the
10 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess very tops of the majority of this row of posts was visible. This group was located 12m from Group 86, to the south east of the eroded layer of clays and brushwood.
7.3.1.2 The two sill beams were lifted for detailed analysis. Samples of the tops of two of the piles were submitted for scientific dating.
7.3.2 Wood Technology (D. Goodburn MOLSS) 7.3.2.1 The main pile line of group 26, including the sill beams [20] and [21] are thought to be part of a timber quay frontage. The pile line was composed of 30 roundwood stakes or small piles, the plan clearly shows two parallel pile or stake lines. Line [87] to [101] appears to have been made of smaller stakes eroded to a lower level which were not initially visible. Alignment [92]-[97] which lay from 0.5-1.0 m to seaward and were generally larger uprights and much more widely spaced. The later were clearly of largish oak roundwood mostly whole but with some cleft examples from poles c. 90-140mm in diameter. None of these could be lifted. Two [18] and [19] appear to have been used as retaining piles for the sill beams of the timber framed quay front as they were in contact with their eastern edges. As the central area behind the sills had the base of a surviving land-fill dump of clay the middle of the pile line was slightly better protected from erosion and salvaging of the timbers of the quay front. Thus, it is probable that the framed area of the quay front originally extended substantially further both NE and SW especially as both ends of the sill had been broken away, possibly quite recently.
7.3.2.2 The sill of the quay front survived as two slightly displaced elm beams that were once joined by a simple edge halved scarf ( Draft Fig.1). The upper faces of the beams had mortices cut in them which would have held now disappeared posts which would also have been set into a top plate and retained planking . The retaining planking was probably set behind (landward) of the posts but fastening on the seaward side would also have been possible if the quay is 17th century, to judge from London examples. A pit-sawn oak plank fragment [35] 25mm (1”) thick found near the sills is likely to have been an off cut from the sheathing planking.
7.3.2.3 From the trends in the London evidence we might suggest that the posts would also have been of oak for a longer life, than elm would have provided, where it was periodically wet and dry. The mortices were of two types with two unpegged examples between pegged examples. The single oak pegs were c. 20mm in diameter and were used to hold the principal post more securely, a pattern known from London dock and quay frontages. The
11 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess principal post may have been of larger scantling than the others. The spacing of the posts was surprisingly irregular varying between c. 0.25 and 0.40 m in no very clear pattern. The major posts probably articulated with land-tie assemblies to reduce the tendency for the structure to gradually lean out into the river pushed by the land-fill. Evidence for the existence of land-ties for these posts survived here as a pair of closely set anchor stakes in test pit D5. These would have clasped the sides of a beam and provided an anchor for a lock bar set into the main land-tie beam. Their location would imply the use of land-tie beams c. 4m long (Draft Fig.2 ) . The height of the quay front was probably around 1.8m above the upper face of the sills at c. 3m OD, so as to be generally dry except for a few exceptional tides and in strong gales. The depth of the quay would have enabled, barges and small coasters to come along side on the top of the tide except during rough weather (Draft Fig.3). The quay must have been provided with mooring posts of some kind which in recent practice would be set back a little from the frontage, it is possible that the large roundwood upright [98] might have been one of these features.
7.3.2.4 This work must have been carried out by trained carpenters as it was clearly a prefabricated structure made in a similar way to timber framed building walls at this time. However, we must note that the work was somewhat irregular in layout compared to a typical building work, and that it is clear the carpenters were not worried about a smart appearance. Perhaps this implies speedy work? The chiselled ‘1’ in the mating faces of both sill beam scarf faces suggests that there would have been other beams of a similar form extending the length of the sill with which beams [20] and [21] could have been confused. The scarf was originally fastened by two 34mm (13/8th”) diameter pegs. The projecting parts of the simple scarf had been rather crudely trimmed after initial cutting, probably during the installing of the quay. One can almost visualise the carpenters and labourers struggling to put up the structure between the tides on the wet uneven, gravelly foreshore.
7.3.2.5 Each main post was provided with a deeper mortice than the unpegged examples up to c. 120mm in beam [21], whilst the mortices for the secondary posts varied from c.70mm to 100mm deep. All the mortices were neatly cut to a fairly uniform width of 50mm (2”) but the widths varied from c. 110mm to 160mm implying that the posts were of varying widths but probably similar thickness perhaps around 150mm thick? Spoon auger holes 34mm diameter and 15mm wide chisel marks were still visible in some of the mortices. In London we have evidence from the 1550’s and from the Mary Rose in c. 1511, for the
12 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess use of new shell augers rather than the ancient spoon augers but there is no reason to expect that the new tools were introduced rapidly in rural areas.
7.3.2.6 Although the upper faces of the beams were slightly eroded and no fine carpenters ‘setting out marks’ were found, striations from pit-sawing and narrow axe stop marks up to a maximum of 80mm wide were found on different faces of the beams. It is clear that the beams were of boxed ¼ type conversion made by pit-sawing a rather irregular elm baulk in half and then each half into quarters. The baulk was rather roughly axe hewn from a rather irregular log. The carpenters had positioned the flat, true sawn faces and edges to face outward and upward presenting the most regular appearance and making joint cutting easier. The often rough and waney, lightly hewn, faces and edges were concealed. The maximum scantling of beam [20] was 250mm wide by 145mm thick and a surviving length of 2.67m, beam [21] was 240mm x180mm with a surviving length of 1.92m.
7.3.2.7 The parent tree/s must have been rather similar to those used for the cleft elm piles of GRP 86 and was probable also local. The parent tree/s for the sill beams was of fast growth (c. 65 annual rings were visible in the beam) with perhaps a total age at felling of around 75-80 years. The parent log/s were c. 0.55 to 0.60m in diameter at the greatest.
7.3.2.8 By reference to the checklist of dateable features of 16th to 17th century waterfront carpentry in London this structure seems to be of that date bracket, or 15th to early 18th century at the very widest.
7.3.3 Scientific Dating 7.3.3.1 Two timbers from this group were submitted for scientific dating. Timber [92], an elm pile on the south west end of the group, was dated by radio carbon to 270+/- 50 BP, calibrated to 1480-1950. Timber [18], one of the oak roundwood piles retaining elm sill beam [21], dated to 180+/- 50 BP, calibrated to 1640-1960.
7.3.3.2 This date range, although broad, supports that suggested by the technological dating of the timbers.
7.3.4 Discussion 7.3.4.1 This structure is interpreted as being a timber framed quay frontage, as described above, with land ties. Dating, although of a broad range, would seem to support the hypothesis that it was associated with the fort.
13 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 7.4 Group 127 7.4.1 Description 7.4.1.1 South east of Group 126, approximately 4m seaward, a further, more fragmentary row of post/piles was identified. These were None of these had been noted during the preliminary survey, perhaps unsurprising as they were barely visible above the present surface level. These piles were driven into a compacted gravel deposit .
7.4.1.2 The fragmentary nature of this row of piles makes assessment difficult but it was noted on site that typologically they were similar to the piles at Site B which lay to the north east. In general the alignment is also similar.
7.4.2 Wood Technology (D. Goodburn MOLSS) 7.4.2.1 Eroded stake alignment group 127 was parallel to the GRP 126 frontage. Only the very tips survived they were generally of square or triangular section axe hewn and of cleft elm. They were not very regularly spaced c. 1m apart. Two stakes tips were lifted [111] and [112] neither was more than c. 60 x 30mm.
7.4.2.2 It is difficult to be sure what the alignment was used for but it might possibly represent the remains of a low barge bed revetment? These can still be seen along the banks of the tidal Thames in London where they are used to maintain a level shelf on the naturally undulating and sloping shore. Flat bottomed craft can then take the ground more safely on them , than on many naturally contoured sloping shores. The use of the cleft elm and heavy truncation might suggest that it was closer in date to the GRP 86 revetment line, and a barge bed only c. 4.2m wide would be rather narrow for estuarine vessels.
7.4.3 Scientific Dating 7.4.3.1 Two of the stakes from this group were sampled for scientific dating, and produced the narrowest date range of any of the timbers on the site. Timber [110], a section of elm heartwood, produced a date of 340 +/- BP, calibrated to 1440-1660. Timber [113], also elm heartwood, produced a date of 380+/- 50 calibrated to 1430-1650.
14 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess
7.5 Site A: Discussion 7.5.1 The project was designed to answer specific objectives in relation to Site A; considered of particular importance was the need to establish what type of structure or structures the timbers represented.
7.5.2 The excavation has established that Group 126 is likely to be the remains of a timber framed quay. In all likelihood the frontage of this feature was longer than the surviving length. To the front of this structure Group 127 may represent the remains of a revetment for a barge bed. To the rear (landward) the presence of clays overlying sands and gravels would suggest that the quayside was approached across established salt marsh, which has subsequently eroded away. Alternatively it could have been approached along a causeway of some type, which the clays represent the remains of. The former would seem more likely given the absence of any timbers which would have reveted the sides of a causeway to protect it from coastal erosion.
7.5.3 Dating of the structure is problematic given the absence of closely dated stratified artefacts and the wide range of dates established through scientific dating. The date range of 16th or 17th century suggested by the wood technology would however fit within the general post medieval date suggested by other means. Unstratified artefacts in the general area were also post medieval in date, and included a piece of pipe stem dating to c. 1630-1780. It would therefore seem reasonable to suggest that the 16th –17th century date is correct. Although the detailed chronological relationship of the quayside to the various phases of activity known to have occurred at the earthwork fort is not possible, the postulated 16th-17th century date would certainly support the theory that the two were associated. At this stage in assessment there is certainly no other obvious purpose for a quay in this area.
7.5.5 The relationship of the quay to Group 86, the close set elm piles which lay landward, is more problematic, particularly given the absence of close dating evidence. If the two structures are contemporary it is difficult to imagine the purpose of group 86, unless it is supporting some type of superstructure. It would seem likely that this represents a separate phase of construction.
7.5.6 It seems possible that the seaward quay was abandoned and, at a later date, an area of marsh reveted with group 86. This could perhaps have protected a vulnerable area of marsh and/or provided somewhere secure to tie up. The area around East Mersea in
15 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess general and Cudmore Grove in particular, is subject to a great deal of coastal erosion at present. Reference to readily available historic mapping, particularly the Ordnance Survey would suggest that this has been the case since the at least the 19th century and probably earlier. The loss of salt marsh in the vicinity of Sites A and B is notable. Perhaps the seaward quay was abandoned due to erosion as the salt marsh retreated.
7.5.7 This could be suggest that Group 86 was constructed in the 17th to 18th century, the latter date suggested by the date of the final abandonment of the fort. Although the loss of 12m of marsh within the limited time frame of the 17th – 18th century would seem a lot it is entirely possible. Comparison of the edge of salt marsh in this area on vertical aerial photographs and survey data gathered as part of this protect identifies between 5 and 15m of salt marsh loss between 2000 and 2003.
8.0 SITE B 8.1 Description 8.1.1 Site B is located to the north west of the main structure at Site A (TM 07296 15162). Although in relatively close proximity to the latter site it was assigned a different number as there was no clear link between the two, and none was established by excavation. It was however noted that the general alignment was similar to that of Group 127.
8.1.2 Selective cleaning located a total of 40 small elm stakes (Fig 10). The majority of these were square cut 0.05m by 0.05m with the occasional larger post (0.06m by 0.08m). Although some of the posts stood proud of the foreshore some were barely visible above the sands and gravels which they were driven into.
8.1.3 The layout of the piles is difficult to discern. There are two possible rows, in what could be a ‘V’ shape. The seaward row, orientated south west to north east (parallel with the shoreline) runs for 50m, although there are gaps in this line. The western end of the landward row ran parallel with this, gradually curving towards it. No piles or other structures were noted at the ‘point’ of these two rough alignments.
8.2 Wood Technology (D. Goodburn MOLSS) 8.2.1 The rows comprised small, cleft elm stake tips and small piles was found to the NE of the material at ‘Site or Area A’. The plan indicates at least two main rather curving alignments. No clear function for the group of uprights is apparent but we might very tentatively suggest that perhaps the stakes are the remains of part of a fish weir or
16 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess wildfowl trapping structure. The personnel at the fort would have had long periods with little activity and probably a need for fresh food.
8.2.2 Two similar elm stakes tips were lifted for more detailed recording [124] and [125]. Stake [124] had a surviving length of just over 0.6m and was 80 x 40mm in cross section. It had been radially cleft to a 1/16th section and the four facetted tip bore faint axe or hachet marks.
8.3 Dating 8.3.1 Two of the piles, one from each alignment, were sampled for radio carbon dating. Timber [124], from the seaward alignment, dated to 330+/- 50, calibrated to 1440-1660. Timber [125], from the landward row, dated to 270 +/- 50, calibrated to 1480-1950.
8.4 Discussion 8.4.1 Additional cleaning and survey has failed to establish a definitive interpretation of this structure, or its relationship to the quayside at Sites A. It has been postulated that it may be some type of fishing, wildfowling structure. It may alternatively be revetting used to protect a vulnerable marsh edge, which could perhaps explain the irregular nature of the alignment.
8.4.2 Although no direct evidence to link these alignments with the fort has been established the date range of those timbers sampled would certainly suggest that there is some association.
9.0 POSSIBLE BEACON NORTH OF SITE B 9.1 Description 9.1.1 To the north of the timber alignments at Site B the top of two large oak uprights were noted. These lay close to the edge of the salt marsh and in an area of mobile beach sands. These timbers therefore had not been noted during the preliminary survey, probably as they had been obscured by deposits. The timbers were 2.8m apart.
9.1.2 One of the timbers was lifted for dating and analysis. During excavation to achieve this it was discovered that the upright was tenoned in a sill beam. The upright sloped towards land by 70 degrees.
9.1.3 The uprights were associated with a clay deposit (117). This deposit contained artefacts dating to the mid 16th to 18th centuries. The edge of this deposit was notably straight,
17 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess and on the same alignment as that of the posts, this perhaps suggesting that it may have been reveted. A further clay deposit (118) was noted to the north east of this.
9.2 Wood Technology (D. Goodburn MOLSS) 9.2.1 It was possible to lift the most erosion threatened post [120] and clean and record it off- site. It survived c. 0.62m long and was c. 220 x 170mm in cross section but as one side had been split off some time in the distant past it was probably at least 270mm wide originally. The base had a neatly chamfered central tenon with shoulders cut carefully at c. 70 degrees to the timbers long axis, showing that the slope as found was roughly the original position of the timber. The single peg hole in the tenon was 25mm (1”) in diameter and had clearly been draw bored.
9.2.2 The surfaces of post [120] were somewhat eroded but very faint axe marks appeared to be visible and the grain pattern showed that it was of ‘boxed heart’ conversion (from a whole log). Part of a large knot and some sapwood were seen suggesting that the timber was used upside down as the parent tree grew, as is typical of major building posts at this time which were normally jowled at the top. Clearly we are dealing with parts of a substantial timber framed structure here built by trained carpenters.
9.3 Dating 9.3.1 The timber appeared to have c. 50 annual rings with some sapwood and was thus, just viable as a tree-ring sample but when sampled and measured unfortunately no match was found (IT Pers. Com see his report). Stylistically the carpentry is not closely datable and could be of any date from perhaps the 14th to 18th centuries, but the pottery found close by suggests a broad dating to the 16th to 17th centuries is likely.
9.4 Scientific Dating 9.4.1 Radiocarbon dating of one of the timbers from the possible beacon (timber 125b), dated to 300+/-50 AD calibrated to 1460 to 1800. This range is broadly similar to that suggested by the wood technology and artefact assessment.
9.5 Discussion 9.5.1 Ideally more excavation would be needed to provide a clearer picture of what the structure was originally but the size, slope and proximity to the fort is strongly suggestive of several possible functions. Perhaps the most likely is that the posts and sill beams were part of the base of a timber framed watchtower or beacon. The forts’ location was a good place for spotting vessels approaching the Colne and its tributaries but it lacked
18 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess elevation so a tower would be needed. In the days before radio, beacons were commonly used (most famously during the Armada) for long distance communication. Other lesser possibilities might be that the timbers were part of a crane. The tower may also have functioned as a navigation mark for vessels negotiating the Colne estuary. So far nine volumes on coastal military defences and the Armada have been consulted in an attempt to find and image of a beacon, watch tower or similar structure for little reward to date (D. Goodburn).
10.0 THE TRACKWAY 10.1 Description 10.1.1 Landward of Site A, fragmentary remains of a timber and brushwood trackway were identified (Fig 12). This structure, which ran roughly parallel to the shoreline for approximately 13m, comprised pieces of roundwood and brushwood fascines, similar to those associated with Group 86 at Site A.
10.1.2 Between the time of the preliminary survey and the excavation this trackway was badly eroded and only fragments of it survived. A trench was placed across the best preserved section, and hand cleaned in order to establish the make up of the trackway.
10.2.3 Cleaning identified a number of bands of sands and gravels. Three rows of brushwood fascines were identified and appeared to have been pushed into ruts.
10.2 Discussion 10.2.1 It has not been possible to establish a date for this trackway to tie it in with the fort or the associated structures.
11.0 TEST PITS 11.0.1 The preliminary survey at Cudmore Grove identified a series of deposits in the eroding salt marsh edge comprising a sequence of sandy beach deposits and silts. Two test pits were excavated against the edge of the salt marsh to clarify the sequence of the deposits (Fig 13). It was hoped that this would clarify the nature of the environment in which the wooden structures were built and the history of the processes which are currently affecting the fort.
19 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 11.1 Test Pit A 11.1.1 Test pit A was excavated against the salt marsh to the south west of the fort. The pit was excavated to a depth of 1.10m from the top of the salt marsh. A total of six contexts were identified in section (figure at end is the thickness of the deposit)
01 Grey brown clay 0.45m High Salt marsh 02 Dark brown/black cemented gravels 0.12m High Salt Marsh 03 Reddish Orange sandy gravel 0.05m 04 Firm light grey clay 0.01m 05 Pale grey sand 0.03m 06 Mid blue grey clay with laminated organic staining 0.60m Low Salt Marsh
11.1.2 This sequence would appear to suggest a gradual build up of salt marsh. The gravel bands could be the result of a single event, perhaps a storm. Or could be material trapped in a hollow, similar to the process that can be seen happening at present in front of the fort where what was once a water filled ditch is now filled with sands.
11.2 Test Pit B 11.2.1 Test Pit B was excavated immediately in front of the fort. The pit was excavated to a depth of 1.15m from the top of the salt marsh. A total of 12 contexts were identified in section.
07 Grey Brown clay 0.20m 08 Brown sandy gravel 0.10m (equivalent of 02 and 03?) 09 Pale brown coarse sands and gravels 0.23m 10 Pale brown fine sand 0.05m 11 Grey clay 0.07m 12 Concreted gravels variable 13 Grey sand 0.05m 14 Mottled orange sands and gravels 0.20m 15 Grey sands and gravels 0.20m 16 Orange sands and gravels 0.15m 17 Grey sands and gravels >0.10m
11.2.2 The sequence in this test pit bears little resemblance to that in Test Pit A.
20 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 11.3 Discussion 11.3.1 Although limited in number the test pits have shown that the sequence of deposition in the area of the fort is not as straight forward as anticipated. It is possible that the excavation of a series of pits along the marsh edge may clarify the sequence.
12.0 THE FORT 12.1 Description 12.1.1 The earthwork remains of East Mersea fort lie to the west of Site A. Although not technically included as part of this study, a rapid plan of the earthwork was carried out using the GPS to place the other sites in context.
12.1.2 The fort was constructed in 1547, and housed 4-6 guns. It was allowed to fall into decay but was repaired in 1587. The fort was occupied by Parliamentarian forces during the siege of Colchester in 1648, as it occupies a strategic location protecting the mouth of the Colne. By 1656 the building was being used as a house, but was abandoned and decayed by 1710. A single point of the fort survives today on the saltmarsh (EHCR 2217).
12.1.3 The extant remains comprise two linear earthwork banks, which are currently overgrown by grasses. The condition of these earthworks below the vegetation is difficult to assess although it is clear that the southern bank is being damaged. A large piece of the outer edge of the bank is no longer present, however it is not clear if this is the result of coastal erosion. There is also a small square cut section on the internal side of this bank. This has straight vertical sides and thus appears to have been deliberately cut.
12.1.4 A few metres seaward of the fort lies a small ditch or channel, possibly a moat. The very regular outline of this last feature suggests that either, it is recent or that it is historic and was probably reveted with timber or roundwood in some way whilst the fort was in use. Such a revetment might survive at a lower level beneath recent silt.
12.2 Discussion 12.2.1 It appears that the fort would have been an isolated site with wet marshes to landward and saltmarsh, foreshore and the strongly tidal mouth of the Colne to the east. Those manning the fort would have required regular supplies of freshwater, food and fuel which must have been delivered by boat, barge or probably a small coasting vessel. The delivery of heavy shot and cannon would have required reasonably solid access from the unloading point to the fort. The function of the fort was clearly to provide defence and an
21 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess observation station at the mouth of the estuary leading to the important town of Colchester, and was one of a pair with another fort on the eastern side of the Colne mouth at St Osyth. It is also likely that it had a function as a signalling and or navigation point at some point in its life given its prominent location. However, it must be borne in mind that the evidence provided by the eroded state of the structures at Site C suggest that it would have been less visible to the south in the 16th and 17th centuries than it now is, as the earthen cliff there has clearly been massively eroded back to the west (Goodburn, this report, Appendix 1).
13.0 SITE C 13.1 Description 13.1.1 Site C is located Approximately 1km to the south west of Sites A and B, on the foreshore below the East Mersea Cliffs (TM 06584 14319). The timbers which make up this structure are tree trunks, with the branches sawn off, and with extant bark. These are set in cut post holes, c.0.5m square. There are number of smaller square cut timbers around these main posts, these were not plotted. which can be seen within the south west corner of polders which have been constructed in the area in an attempt to alleviate the continuing erosion of the cliffs.
13.1.2 There may be two separate elements to the features on this site. There are a number of timbers and post holes which appear to delineate a slightly curving line, running north west from the southernmost polder, gradually curving around to run in a more westerly direction. There are a further group of post holes to the north of this. There were also a number of post holes. It was not clear if the posts were extant in these below the exposed level having been broken off, or if they has been removed.
13.2 Wood Technology (D. Goodburn Molss) 13.2.1 The posts were very irregular minimally trimmed cleft logs and occasional gnarled whole logs set in clear post pits. Some were set inverted as the tree grew some the ‘right’ way up. All were relatively fast grown. The posts varied in size but some were as much as 400 x 250mm across. Towards the landward and seaward end they were of elm with the middle section of oak. Interspersed with the posts were small elm stakes a maximum of c. 150 x 100mm across. Again it appears likely that very local timber was used for this structure. They were probably very similar to the rather gnarled oaks on the earth and gravel cliff just inland that are falling on to the beach due to rapid current erosion. The irregular nature of these elements probably implies that any horizontal elements to the
22 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess revetting were not sawn planks but more irregular cleft logs, as it would have been incongruous to use expensive materials together with such cheap uprights.
13.2.2 These eroded remains would appear to represent probably two attempts to revet and protect the foot of the historic edge of the soft cliff when it extended c. 120m to the east in the earlier post medieval period.
13.2.3 The work of felling bucking and cleaving these logs and preparing smaller sections for the stakes is simple and rather atypically crude compared to other structures from the upper Thames estuary of Post-Medieval date. However, the condition of the timber was similar to that at Area A and a broadly similar date seems likely.
13.2 Scientific Dating 13.2.1 Samples of the larger oak timbers were submitted for dendrochronological dating which was unfortunately unsuccessful. The examination of the timbers did however show disturbed growth in the form of periodic bands of narrow rings , occurring approximately every 10-15 years (Groves and Locatelli 2003, 4).
13.2.3 Two of the elms from the same row were also submitted for radio carbon dating. As with most of the majority of the samples from the site a broad calibrated date range of 1650 to 1960 was established.
13.3 Discussion 13.3.1 The sampling at Site C has failed to establish a definitive date for the structure and indeed its purpose remains elusive, although the theory that it was some type of reveting remains the most likely interpretation.
14.0 SPECIALIST REPORTS 14.1 Artefacts (J. Compton ECC FAU) 14.1.1 Finds from three contexts were examined, along with a further quantity of unstratified material. All of the finds have been recorded by count and weight, in grams, by context. Full details by context can be found in the table below. Most of the assemblage comprises pottery (26 sherds, weighing 2060g) and building materials (9 fragments, weighing 1531g).
14.1.2 Most of the pottery was recovered from context 117, layer associated with the possible beacon site. The assemblage comprised local red earthenware, weighing a total of
23 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 1880g. At least four vessels are represented: a two-handled tyg, near-complete; a large oval dripping-pan, in three large sherds, including handle, and at least two bowls or jars, represented by nine rim, body and base sherds. The group is homogenous, stylistically dated to the 17th century, although post-medieval red earthenwares were made from the mid-16th to 18th centuries with little change in fabric composition (Jennings 1981, 157).
14.1.3 The two-handled tyg is a later copy of a black-glazed ware vessel type made early in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The iron-rich glaze is mottled green and brown, unevenly applied. Similar vessels are illustrated in Jennings (1981, fig.63, nos 1064-9). The dripping-pan is oval, flat-bottomed and plain-rimmed, with a knife-trimmed exterior. It is lead-glazed internally, but the surface is heavily stained by alluvial mud. There is one neatly trimmed and shaped, short strap handle, but the vessel is so large that there may have been two handles originally. Both one- and two-handled dripping-pans are illustrated in Jennings (1981, fig.76). Oval dripping-pans were made at Fulmodeston in Norfolk (Wade-Martins 1983, figs 9, 29); the vessels illustrated show the pouring lip normally present at each end of the vessel. A complete example (Wade-Martins 1983, fig.9, no.43) measures 420mm at the widest point. The vessel from Cudmore Grove appears to be of a similar size.
14.1.4 Also present in context 117 is a small piece of mortared roof tile, and the base and a joining lower wall sherd from a sandy grey ware jar of Roman date. The latter must be residual in this context.
14.1.5 Context 118 produced the base from a green glass cylindrical bottle, which probably once held beer. The bottle is embossed ‘J & W Hardie, Edinburgh, a firm which produced bottled drinks in the 19th century. Also present is a body sherd from a grey stoneware mug, made in Frechen, and embossed with a medallion in the form of a flower. These mugs were popular during the 18th century.
14.1.6 Animal bone was recovered from context 140, comprising a mandible from a pig, and a tibia shaft, with strong muscle attachments, from a large mammal. The mandible has one molar, two premolars and one incisor extant. The molar is unworn and one premolar is erupting, perhaps indicating a juvenile animal.
14.1.7 The unstratified finds comprise a clay pipe stem with a short spur, of a type dated c.1640- 1730, and roof tile and brick fragments of post-medieval date.
24 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 14.1.8 Recommendations for Further Work The post-medieval pottery from context 117, as a contemporaneous group, merits full reporting and illustration. The remaining finds require no further work. All of the material should be retained apart from the brick and tile fragments. The glass bottle has already been discarded on health and safety grounds.
Context Feature Count Weight Description Date u/s Tr.D1 1 6 Clay pipe stem with short spur c.1640-1730
1 54 Roof tile fragment Post med.
4 1065 Brick fragments, depth 50mm ?18th C
u/s Tr.D2 3 356 Roof tile fragments, part-mortared Post med.
117 1 56 Roof tile fragment, part-mortared Post med.
23 1880 Pottery; rim, base and bodysherds, some 17th C joining, post-medieval red earthenware, at least four vessels represented
2 100 Pottery; base sherd and joining body sherd Roman (GRS)
118 1 448 Bottle base, cylindrical, weathered dark 19th C green, embossed ‘J & W Hardie, Edinburgh’ (Discarded)
1 80 Pottery; grey stoneware body sherd with 18th C embossed medallion decoration (Frechen)
140 Tr.D1 2 332 Animal bone; pig mandible, four teeth extant; - tibia shaft, large mammal, strong muscle attachments
Table 1: Finds data
13.2 Environmental (Dr D E Robinson EH) 14.2.1 I visited the site on two occasions - alone on the 11th December 2002 and together with Matt Canti on the 24th February 2003. On my first visit I took monolith samples through the deposits at the top of the foreshore. These were for reference purposes. The deposits here cannot be related directly to the site and for this reason analysis is not recommended. On my second visit, Matt Cant took a small sample in a 25 cm monolith tin across the context boundary at the base of the archaeological deposits. This was
25 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess intended for thin section analysis. I do not consider that it would be useful to carry out pollen analysis on this sample. No further sampling for pollen analysis was appropriate.
14.3 Foraminifera And Sedimentology (Dr Simon K. Haslett, Bath Spa University College) 14.3.1 Introduction 14.3.1.1 Six samples were collected and supplied by the Field Archaeology Unit, Essex County Council, to the author for analysis of their foraminifera content, with a view to establish their abundance, preservation and usefulness as marine palaeoenvironmental indicators in sediments underlying the salt marshes at Cudmore Grove, Essex. This report describes the method employed to separate foraminifera from the sediment samples, presents the results obtained, suggests an interpretation of the results, and assesses their future use in sediment from the Essex coast. Foraminiferal analysis is now a well- established technique for assigning tidal level and depositional environment information to Holocene sediments (see Allen and Haslett, 2002, for a recent review). Haslett et al. (1997) provide distributional data for foraminifera living on the modern salt marshes of Great Britain, and it is this dataset, with updates (Haslett, 2000; Haslett et al., 2001; Allen and Haslett, 2002), that enables the calibration of fossil data.
14.3.2 Method 14.3.2.1 Bulk samples for foraminiferal analysis were initially air-dried and then weighed (dry bulk weight, g). Samples were then soaked in distilled water for 24 hours, then wet-sieved at 63µm, with the >63µm fraction being retained and weighed (g) after drying. Aliquots of the >63µm fraction of each sample were examined using reflected light microscopy for foraminifera.
14.3.3 Results and Discussion 14.3.3.1 All six samples yielded foraminifera, but with variable abundance ranging from 432 to 3120 specimens per sample. Preservation of foraminifera tests is generally excellent with little indication of post-mortem alteration. Percentage species counts are given in Table 1. All species recovered are typical of intertidal estuarine environments. The foraminifera characteristics of the samples are as follows:
14.3.3.2 Samples 1 and 2 both yield foraminifera assemblages dominated by J. macrescens with subordinate T. inflata. These agglutinating foraminifera assemblages are typical of deposition on a high salt marsh surface around MHWST, any lower in the tidal frame then A. beccarii would also be expected to co-occur, any higher and T. inflata would become
26 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess absent. The higher number of specimens per gram in sample 2, coupled with a low % >0.063mm fraction may indicate deposition at a slightly higher position in the tidal frame compared to sample 1.
14.3.3.3 Samples 3-5 all yield foraminifera assemblages dominated by Haynesina germanica with subordinate Ammonia beccarii, Elphidium williamsoni, Jadammina macrescens and Trochammina inflata. Haynesina gemanica often dominates tidal flat faunas with subordinate A. beccarii and/or E. williamsoni, but when these species co-occur with J. macrescens and T. inflata the diverse assemblage is indicative of a vegetated intertidal surface relatively low in the tidal frame, such as a low salt marsh environment between MHW and MHWNT. Sample 5 also yielded ostracod fragments and was more minerogenic (quartz-rich) than the other samples, possibly indicating deposition on a low salt marsh surface near a junction with unvegetated tidal flats. The number of foraminifera specimens per gram of sediment is in the relatively narrow range of 30.4 to 58 which indicates relatively uniform sedimentation rates within this depositional setting. The particle size information indicates >0.063mm concentrations of up to 15% which is consistent with a low salt marsh depositional setting.
14.3.3.4 Sample 6 yielded an assemblage dominated by agglutinating species (J. macrescens and T. inflata) apparently indicating deposition on a vegetated high salt marsh surface. However, the calcareous species present are dominated by H. germanica and not A. beccarii as would be expected for a higher salt marsh depositional surface. Therefore, it would seem that the assemblage may be mixed and not representing an in situ fauna. This is supported by the very low number of foraminifera specimens per gram (8.9) and the high >0.063mm coarse fraction concentration (24%). Such a combination of characteristics might indicate emplacement by a naturally occurring high magnitude event, such as a storm, or through human activity.
14.3.4 Conclusions 14.3.4.1 The foraminifera recovered are generally well-preserved and diagnostic of particular palaeoenvironments and/or depostional processes. The variable abundance and diversity is to be expected in fluctuating and changing palaeoenvironments, indeed, that is part of their value. The crude particle size information is a useful adjunct to the foraminifera data, and aids interpretation. The possibility of storm deposits is an exciting prospect and perhaps worthy of further investigation.
27 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess
14.4 Scientific Dating 14.4.1 Dendrochronological Dating (C Groves and C Locatelli EH) 14.4.1.1 Five timbers, one from Site B and 4 from Site B were sampled fro dendrochronological analysis. Only one of the timbers, the one from Site B, proved suitable for analysis but could not be dated reliably. A recent dead modern tree, located at the base of the cliff adjacent to Site C was also sampled. It was successfully dated indicationg that it died sometime during late spring or early summer 2001 AD. (Summary from Groves, C and Locatelli C 2003 Dendrochronological Analysis of Timbers From Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex Center for Archaeology Rep ref 105/2003)
14.4.2 Radio Carbon Dating (J Meadows, A. Bayliss EH) 14.4.2.1 Eleven samples were submitted for radio carbon dating, two from each group at Site A, two from Site B, two from Site C and one from the possible beacon to the north of Site B.
14.4.2.2 The samples were processed and measured by Liquid Scintillation Counting at the Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre in East Kilbride, following procedures described by Noakes et al (1965) and Stenhouse and Baxter (1983). The results are conventional radio carbon ages (Stuvier and Polach 1977), which are reported according to the standard known as the Trondhiem convention (Stuvier and Kra 1986). The corresponding calibrated date ranges were obtained by the maximum intercept method (Stuvier and Riemer 1986) using the Intercal 98 data set (Stuvier et al 1998) and the program OxCal v. 3.5 (Bronk Ramsey 1995;1998), and are quoted in the form recommended by Mook (1986).
14.4.2.3 Table 2 shows the radio carbon results and is organised by site and timber group. Chi- square tests were run on the results from the same structural groups within Site A, and on all samples from within Site A and Site C. In all five cases, the results on each timber group were determined not to be statistically significantly different (refer to Table 2 for the resulting chi-squared values. In the attached figure, the results are calibrated by the probability method (Stuvier and Reimer 1993) again using INTCAL 98 and OxCal v. 3.5.
14.4.2.4 Due to the relatively flat, yet wiggly, nature of the calibration curve during the time period of these structures, the date ranges produced by the maximum intercept method are in some cases 500 years long. However the graphical representation of the output from the probability method is a better representation of the likelihood of any particular date within the calibrated ranges.
28 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 15.0 STATEMENT OF POTENTIAL 15.1 General 15.1.1 The archaeological survey and excavation work at Cudmore Grove did, in general produce enough evidence to address the broad aims of the Project Design, particularly A2. The assessment has established that the main structure at Site A is a timber fronted quayside, with a landward revetment which may post date it. A possible beacon tower has also been identified. More problematic is the timber alignment at Site B which could be reveting of the marsh edge or some sort of fish trap. Site C almost certainly is a revetment protecting the base of the cliffs.
15.1.2 Although the scientific dating failed to establish a precise chronology for any of the wooden structures the assessment of these ranges coupled with the wood technology assessment has established that the structures of Site A and B are broadly contemporary with the fort. They could not however be tied to specific phases of activity (A1 and A3).
15.1.3 The excavation of the two test pits on the marsh edge has not clarified the nature of the environment in which the wooden structures would have been built (A4). It has however established that the pattern of deposition in the area is complex and allows some comparison with processes currently at work.
15.2 The Fort, Site A And Site B 15.2.1 The assessment has demonstrated that the fort and wooden structures are broadly contemporary. Having established this the potential exists to take analysis further to consider additional research aims. The majority of these issues could be addressed through further desk based research.
15.2.2 Whilst considerable effort has been put into the study of coastal castles, and earthwork forts of Tudor and later date with many plans, elevations and photographs now in the public domain (eg. Saunders 1997) relatively little work has been carried out on the smaller forts. Very little work has also been carried out on the infrastructure surrounding post-medieval fort sites which were essential for their supply and use. The considerable impact of mean sea level change has also often been dealt with in general terms as much of the archaeological evidence for it has only recently come to light. This project provides and opportunity to investigate all these themes as well as what seems to have been a local approach to structural woodwork at this time linked to distinctive local availability (D Goodburn)
29 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 15.2.3 Further documentary and cartographic research may elucidate some of the questions which still remain with regards to the fort and associated structures.
15.2.4 Because of the degree of erosion and fragmentary remains of the two alignments at Site B it is not thought that further field work would advance our understanding of these alignments. Some light may be shed on the structure if further documentary research into the fort and associated quay is carried out.
15.2.5 Although several theories have been put forward as to the purpose of the posts north of Site B the very limited excavation in this area means that none can be confirmed at the present time. Additional limited excavation work would be needed to provide a clearer picture of what the structure was originally. It would also be of interest to look at the suspiciously straight edge of possible dump layers 117 and 118. This would aim to consider if this area had been reveted, and perhaps may have been an additional quayside. The recent changes in the area noted in July 2004 would however suggest that this is not feasible at the present time.
15.2.6 The limited surviving section of trackway has been recorded. No further work is necessary in this area, in fact the track has probably now washed away.
15.3 Test Pits 15.3.1 The excavation of the two test pits on the salt marsh edge have established that there is a complex sequence of deposition in the area. The results would also suggest that the results were quite localised. It has not been possible to clarify the pattern from this limited sample.
15.3.2 The excavation of further test pits, or perhaps opportunistic recording of the marsh edge may allow a more coherent sequence to be established.
15.4 Site C 15.4.1 The structure at Site C has been fully recorded and samples dated, although only a broad date range has been established. There is no potential for further work.
15.5 Artefacts 15.5.1 The post-medieval pottery from context 117, as a contemporaneous group, merits full reporting and illustration. The remaining finds require no further work (Compton, sec 14.1 above)
30 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess
15.6 Environmental 15.6.1 It is not considered that there is potential for further environmental work at the present time.
15.7 Mean Sea Levels (D GoodBurn MOLSS) 15.7.1 Archaeological work on timber structures (and those of other materials) in the tidal reaches of the greater Thames estuary region often enables the tracking of changes in mean sea or tidal river levels. Recent work in the upper estuary in East London has also provided closely dated evidence for a steady increase in levels towards a modern extreme high tide level (HAT), at London bridge of c. +4.7mOD with a mean high water of c. 3.9m OD. However, based on this writers experience of living on the estuarine Thames, at several locations, its seems that occasional minor flooding of waterside quay surfaces is generally accepted today and traces of thin flood silts, clays and sands in the archaeological record on several Post-Medieval upper estuary sites show that it was then as well. Thus, a more useful comparative ‘normally dry’ level might be high spring tides with some allowance for rough weather wave heights at more exposed sites such as at Cudmore Grove.
15.7.2 It would seem that the level for timber quays tops in Limehouse was c. 2.8 to c. 3.0m OD by the 1580’s (Goodburn in Tyler 2001). By the 1660s’ that generally safe working level had risen to c. 3.15-3.3m OD as evidence from Rotherhithe clearly shows (Heard and Goodburn 2002). How these upper estuary levels might relate precisely to those current during the occupation of the fort at Cudmore Grove is difficult to assess and may be complicated, a little, by large scale land movement trends. However, the level of the top of the current sea wall is essentially the same as in the upper estuary and directly south on the N Kent shore at c. 5m OD. A surprising coincidence is that the top of a flood silt at Rotherhithe from the 1660s was recorded as +3.17 OD which is exactly the same as that recorded for the current land immediately seaward of the fort at Cudmore Grove! It would appear likely that this land was virtually always dry during the occupation of the fort and probably extended as far as the pile line Grp 86 which would appear to represent the heavily truncated remains of a simple pile and plank revetment which probably stood c. 1.5m higher perhaps around 1.5m above the then foreshore.
31 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess 16.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 16.1 It is recommended that the results of the survey and excavation at Cudmore Grove should be published; the study is of considerable local interest and the history of the site reflects what could be considered the most iconic events of English history such as the Armada and the English Civil Wars.
16.3 Documentary research into the area was limited to the readily available, standard sources (EHCR, Ordnance Survey mapping, RCHME inventories). Further research may prove useful in better linking the quay and the fort. Preliminary catalogue searches have suggested that potentially important source material may be held at the Essex Record Office and the Public Record Office. Charts at held in the archives of the National Maritime Museum may be useful in establishing if there was a beacon on site.
16.4 The fort at Cudmore is also of interest. Preliminary research has suggested that there is little published material relating to the smaller forts which protected the coast in the early post medieval period, it was however clearly of a type which proliferated around the coast. The number of related structures (for example the quay) at Cudmore is important makes this of interest as it places the scheduled fort in a wider context, clearly demonstrating the importance of water transport in these areas. The results of the survey also serve as a case study demonstrating the effects of coastal erosion. Although there has been much work on the Essex coast, much of it has concentrated on the prehistoric, Roman and at a push medieval.
16.2 Some of the questions posed through the assessment of the results of the survey could perhaps be best investigated though further limited fieldwork. However the changes in the landscape at Cudmore Grove mean that planning fieldwork in advance is difficult. Perhaps a more practical approach would be a more opportunistic approach, informed by regular monitoring of the foreshore.
32 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The excavations and survey at Cudmore Grove were funded by English Heritage, and carried out by Essex County Council. The fieldwork was carried out under the direction of the author, with the assistance of Teresa O’Connor. J. Archer and M. Roy also assisted on site. Project co-ordination and liaison was provided by Nigel Brown and Mark Atkinson. The English Heritage project monitor was Sarah May.
Thanks are due to the staff at Cudmore Grove Country Park, particularly Dougal Urquhart, for their assistance and co-operation. Thanks are also due to Ian Black of English Nature for his help, particularly with the sampling of the larger timbers. Ron Hall also provided advice and general information from his wide knowledge of the Blackwater.
Specialist contributions were made by J. Compton , D. Goodburn, M. Canti, D. E. Robinson, Ian Tyers, Cathy Groves, J. Meadows, A. Bayliss, G. Cambell, and S. Haslett.
A final word of thanks for the people who use the Country Park, who took the time to speak to the field team and discuss the project.
BIBLIOGRAPHY Allen, J. R. L. 2002. Buried salt-marsh edges and tide-level cycles in the mid-Holocene of the and Haslett, S. Caldicot Level (Gwent), South Wales, UK. The Holocene, 12, 303-324. K., Allen, J. R. L., 2001 Late Quaternary stratigraphy in the Gwent Levels (southeast Wales): the subsurface evidence. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, 112, 289-315 Brunning, R. 1996 Waterlogged Wood . English heritage Divers, D. 2002 ‘The post-medieval waterfront development at Adlards’ Wharf, Bermondsey, London’ Post Med. Arch. :36, 39-117 Fulford, M., 1997 England’s Coastal Heritage: A survey for English Heritage and the Champion, T. RCHME English Heritage archaeological Report 15 and Long, A. eds Haslett, S. K., 1997. An Ipswichian foraminiferal assemblage from the Gwent Levels (Severn Estuary, UK). Journal of Micropalaeontology, 16, 136. Haslett, S. K., 1997 Reconstructing Holocene sea-level change in the Severn Estuary and Davies, P. and Somerset Levels: the foraminifera connection. Archaeology in the Severn Strawbridge, F., Estuary, 8, 29-40 Haslett, S.K 2000. Coastal Systems. Routledge, London, 240pp. Haslett, S.K., 2001. Vertical saltmarsh accretion and its relationship to sea-level in the Severn Strawbridge, F., Estuary, UK: an investigation using foraminifera as tidal indicators. Martin, N. A. and Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 52, 143-153 Davies, C. F. C Heard, K. and 2003 Investigating the maritime history of Rotherhithe- Excavations at 165 Goodburn, D. Rotherhithe Street, Southwark. MoLAS Archaeology Studies Series 11. Heppell, E 2002 The Foreshore, Cudmore Grove Country Park, East Mersea. Archaeological Survey ECC Limited Circ rep
33 Cudmore Grove Country Park, Essex. Excavation and Survey Assessment prepared for English Heritage by ECC FAU File Ref: 1170 assess Heppell, E and 2002 Greater Thames Estuary, Essex Zone: Monitoring Survey: Interim Rep. Brown, N. 1ECC Unpublished Heppell, E. with . 2001 Greater Thames Estuary, Essex Zone: Survey, Assessment Report ECC Brown, N unpublished Jennings, S., 1981 Eighteen centuries of Pottery from Norwich, E. Anglian. Archaeol. 13 Milne, G. 1992 Timber building techniques in London c. 900-1400. LAMAS Special Paper No. 15 Mouchel 1997 Essex Shoreline Management Plan Mouchel Associates L Saunders, A. 1997 English Heritage book of Channel defences. Spence, C. ed 1990 Archaeological Site Manual 2nd edition, Museum of London Tyler K . 2001 The excavation of an Elizabethan/Stuart waterfront site on the north bank of the River Thames at Victoria Wharf, Narrow Street, Limehouse, London E14, Post-Med. Arch. :35, 53-95 Wade-Martins, 1983 Two Post-Medieval Earthenware Pottery Groups from Fulmodeston, E. P., Anglian. Archaeol. 19 Williams, J. and 1999 An Archaeological Research Framework for the Greater Thames Estuary Brown, N. eds +
34 CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK ESSEX
EXCAVATION AND SURVEY
UPDATED PROJECT DESIGN
Prepared by E. Heppell
February 2005
With contributions by N. Brown
Essex County Council Historic Environment Branch
Field Archaeology Unit Fairfield Court, Fairfield Road, Braintree Essex CM7 3YQ
Tel: 01376 331431
Historic Environment Management County Hall, Chelmsford. CM1 1HQ
Tel: 01245 437640
File Ref: 1170UPD2 1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 REVISED RESEARCH AIMS
3.0 FURTHER WORK 3.1 THE FORT, SITE A AND SITE B 3.2 TEST PITS 3.3 SITE C 3.4 ARTEFACTS 3.5 ENVIRONMENTAL 3.6 PUBLICATION 3.7 SUMMARY OF PROPOSALS FOR FURTHER WORK
4.0 STAFFING
5.0 RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING
BIBLIOGRAPHY
File Ref: 1170UPD2 CUDMORE GROVE COUNTRY PARK, ESSEX: EXCAVATION AND SURVEY UPDATED PROJECT DESIGN
FAU Project No: 1085 District: Colchester NGR: TM 0715
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Excavation and survey at Cudmore Grove was carried out in 2002-3, following on from a preliminary survey. The further work on the site examined three areas where wooden structures were visible eroding out of the foreshore. Site A, located close to a Tudor fort, Site B was located just to the north east of this and comprised a large number of timber posts. Site C was located below East Mersea Cliffs, and comprised a number of large timbers and associated post holes, probably post medieval in date.
1.2 Site A comprises a series of rows of timbers, orientated south west to north east, one group of which included a pair of elm sill beams (Group 126). The timbers are located on a slight promontory of firm gravels, at a height of c 1.5m OD. The landward row of timbers comprised a close set row of piles driven into the foreshore, reliable dating of this group has not been possible (Group 86).
1.3 The timbers are thought to represent two phases of activity although dating is problematic due to an absence of artefactual material and the wide date range established by radio carbon. Group 126 is though to be part of a timber framed quay frontage, presumably associated with the nearby fort. Comparison with similar features on the London waterfront would perhaps suggest a 16th-17th century date (15th-18th at the outside). Group 127 is likely to represent the remains of a barge bed, probably contemporary.
1.4 East Mersea Fort partially survives as an earthwork on the salt marsh (outside the modern sea wall) and relates to a number of the iconic events in English History. The fort was constructed in 1547, and housed 4-6 guns. It was allowed to fall into decay but was repaired in 1587, in response to the threat of the Armada. The fort was occupied by Parliamentarian forces during the siege of Colchester in 1648, part of the Second Civil War as it occupies a strategic location protecting the mouth of the Colne. By 1656 the building was being used as a house, but was abandoned and decayed by 1710 (EHCR 2217).
File Ref: 1170UPD2 1.5 Site B comprised an irregular row of posts, the purpose and dating of which remain elusive. The timbers were converted in a similar way to those of group 127, perhaps suggesting they were broadly contemporaneous.
1.6 To the north of Site B two substantial oak uprights became exposed. These timbers are thought to have been the base of a watchtower or beacon. They were associated with a clay deposit which contained 16th-18th century pottery.
2.0 REVISED RESEARCH AIMS 2.1 The fieldwork had four major research aims: A 1. Clarify dates of the wooden structures A 2. Further investigate their function A 3. Investigate the relationship between the wooden structures (Sites A and B), and their relationship to the earthwork fort A 4. Investigate the sequence of marsh and beach deposits to clarify the nature of the environment in which the wooden structures were built and the history of the processes which are currently affecting the fort
2.2 The archaeological survey and excavation work at Cudmore Grove did, in general produce enough evidence to address these, particularly A2. The assessment has established that the main structure at Site A is a timber-fronted quayside, with a landward revetment which may post date it. A possible beacon tower has also been identified. More problematic is the timber alignment at Site B which could be reveting of the marsh edge or some sort of fish trap. Site C is almost certainly a revetment protecting the base of the cliffs.
2.3 Although the scientific dating failed to establish a precise chronology for any of the wooden structures the assessment of date ranges provided, coupled with the wood technology assessment has established that the structures of Site A and B are broadly contemporary with the fort (A1 and A3).
2.4 The excavation of the two test pits on the marsh edge has not clarified the nature of the environment in which the wooden structures would have been built (A4). It has however established that the pattern of deposition in the area is complex and allows comparison with the current processes in the area.
File Ref: 1170UPD2 2.5 The results of the assessment report (Heppell et al 2005) have further elucidated the nature of the site and as such it is possible to identify revised aims to take the project forward. The revised aims are outlined below.
RA 1 Project publication in order to disseminate the results of the study. This would be supported and facilitated by RA2 (below)
RA 2 To carry out further documentary and cartographic research on the area to place the structural remains within their chronological setting, and wider landscape. To carry out further research into the development of quays of similar periods.
3.0 FURTHER WORK The following section outlines the results of the study and the issues raised, and identifies suggested further work. This proposed work aims to address RA 2 with the ultimate goal of publication, RA 1.
3.1 The Fort, Site A and Site B 3.1.1 The assessment report demonstrated that the fort and wooden structures are broadly contemporary. Having established this the potential exists to take analysis further to address RA 1
3.1.2 Whilst considerable effort has been put into the study of coastal castles, and earthwork forts of Tudor and later date with many plans, elevations and photographs now in the public domain (eg. Saunders 1997) relatively little work has been carried out on the smaller forts. Even less work has also been carried out on the infrastructure surrounding post- medieval fort sites, which were essential for their supply and use. The Cudmore Grove project provides the opportunity to consider these activities (addresses RA1, contributes to RA 2).
3.1.3 The impact of mean sea level change and changes in the coastal landscape have been demonstrated at Cudmore Grove. This project can consider these issues and provide a further data sets which may be of use for future coastal studies (addresses RA 1, contributes to RA 2).
File Ref: 1170UPD2 3.1.4 The fieldwork data outlined in the project assessment would form the basis of the study of this area but is considered that further documentary and cartographic research may provide valuable additional information. The collections of the ERO Colchester and the Public Record Office, Kew, should be examined.
3.1.5 Because of the degree of erosion and fragmentary remains of the two alignments at Site B it is not thought that further fieldwork would advance our understanding of these alignments. Some light may be shed on the structure if further documentary research into the fort and associated quay is carried out. (addresses RA 1, contributes to RA 2).
3.1.6 Although several theories have been put forward as to the purpose of the posts north of Site B the very limited excavation in this area means that none can be confirmed at the present time. Ideally additional limited excavation work would be needed to provide a clearer picture of what the structure was originally. It would also be of interest to look at the suspiciously straight edge of possible dump layers 117 and 118. This would aim to consider if this area had been reveted, and perhaps may have been an additional quayside. However a visit to Cudmore by the author in July 2004 (which was funded by the PLANARCH 2 programme) has shown that further work in this area is currently impractical. The beach sands which ran along the foot of the salt marsh cliff have been accumulating in the area and running over the marsh. The site of the two posts currently lies under a considerable depth of sand.
3.1.7 In order to establish the type of structure this feature may represent an examination should be carried out of historic charts, which would presumably mark the sites of beacons as they are navigation aids. These are held in the Admiralty and National Maritime Museum Archives (addresses RA 1, contributes to RA 2).
3.1.8 The limited surviving section of trackway has been recorded. A further visit to the site (funded through the PLNARCH Project) in July 2004 established that there were no extant remains. No further work is therefore necessary in this area.
3.1.9 The changes in this dynamic landscape mean that it is not feasible to put forward further detailed fieldwork proposals. It is suggested that a practical approach would be to carry out regular monitoring on the foreshore at Cudmore to allow for opportunistic recording.
File Ref: 1170UPD2
3.2 Test Pits 3.2.1 The excavation of the two test pits on the salt marsh edge have established that there is a complex sequence of deposition in the area. The results would also suggest that the sequences identified were quite localised. It has not been possible to clarify the pattern from this limited sample.
3.2.2 Cudmore Grove has been visited on a number of occasions since the completion of fieldwork. There have been dramatic changes to the shoreline in the vicinity of the fort, most notably the shifting of mobile beach deposits, which are overtopping the salt marsh cliffs, thus masking them. This means that any planned test pitting in the area would require a more substantial amount of time to previously. Regular visits would allow for opportunistic recording of the marsh edge if the sands shift. This may allow a more coherent sequence to be established. Erosion and deposition in the area at the present time means that there are few salt marsh ‘cliff’ sections extant.
3.3 Site C 3.3.1 The structure at Site C has been fully recorded and samples dated, although only a broad date range has been established. There is no potential for further work.
3.4 Artefacts 3.4.1 The post-medieval pottery from context 117, as a contemporaneous group, merits full reporting and illustration. This may include residue analysis. The remaining finds require no further work.
3.5 Environmental 3.5.1 It is not considered that there is potential for further environmental work at the present time.
3.6 Publication 3.6.1 The Greater Thames Research Framework (Williams and Brown 1999) identifies the need to raise general awareness of the archaeological projects taking place in the area. The completion of the fieldwork at Cudmore Grove provides the opportunity to do so.
3.6.2 The nature of the project means that a wide range of issues that affect the coastal zone can be considered, such as sea level change and coastal erosion, with Cudmore providing the framework. Themes could include the link between the estuary and estuary littoral, trade within and beyond the estuary, historic defences and military installations. All of these
File Ref: 1170UPD2 themes are considered in the Greater Thames Research Framework. The results of the Cudmore Grove work also complement and enhance those of other studies such as RCZAS and monitoring surveys (Heppell and Brown 2001; Heppell 2004).
3.6.3 Cudmore Grove is also of both local and national military interest. The phases of activity of the fort can be linked to national events, times of international tension. There is also a link to more regional events such as the siege of Colchester in the Second Civil War.
3.6.4 The proposed publication outline is summarised as follows. It is proposed that the paper be presented as a synthetic report, looking at the key areas and themes:
Summary Introduction The Excavations Results The Fort and associated structures Other Areas
Discussion The Historical Context The Quay and Sea Level Change Supply and trade? Finds
3.7 Summary Of Proposals For Further Work 3.7.1 The further work on the Cudmore Grove project can be summarised as follows • Documentary and Cartographic Research • Publication of Results • Ongoing monitoring
4.0 STAFFING 4.1 The project will be carried out by the staff in the Essex County Council Historic Environment Branch. The Project will be managed by Ellen Heppell (ECC FAU).
4.2 Documentary and Cartographic research will be carried out by Ellen Heppell, who will also be the main author of the publication. The assessment of the finds assemblage will be
File Ref: 1170UPD2 carried out by Helen Walker (ECC FAU). No further specialist reports are required. Illustration will be carried out by the author and Andrew Lewsey (ECC FAU). Internal editing will be carried out by Nigel Brown.
4.3 The monitoring will be carried out under the supervision of Ellen Heppell, with the assistance of one of the FAU Project Assistants.
5.0 RESOURCES AND PROGRAMMING 5.1 The proposed further work on the Cudmore Grove site will comprise monitoring, research and publication. The main expenditure will involve costs for staff time. Non staff costs include transport and consumables. It is estimated that the monitoring and publication could be carried out for around £8000.
5.2 It is estimated that a full project design for this further survey work could be completed at a cost of around £1300. It is estimated that this could be completed within one month of being commissioned. Subject to agreement subsequent monitoring, research and publication preparation will run concurrently over a twelve month period.
5.3 Essex CC staff daily rates are calculated on the basis of:
Daily rate = Annual salary + NI + Superannuation 200 days worked per year
Staff costs include employment overheads, and also include time allowed for holidays, sick leave and training. Overheads of 25% are added to Essex CC staff costs to cover the premises costs, and overheads of 10% are added to cover the costs of administering an external contract.
File Ref: 1170UPD2
BIBLIOGRAPHY Heppell, E and 2001 Greater Thames Estuary, Essex Zone: Archaeological Assessment Report Brown, N and Updated Project Design ECC Unpublished Report Heppell, E 2004 Greater Thames Estuary, Essex Zone: Monitoring Survey. Archaeological Assessment Report and Updated Project Design ECC Unpublished Report Williams, J. and 1999 An Archaeological Research Framework for the Greater Thames Estuary Brown, N. eds ECC, KCC and EH
File Ref: 1170UPD2 Colchester
CUDMORE
Mersea R. Colne Island
R. Blackwater
Dengie Peninsular
0 7,500 m 1:150,000
Fig 1 Location
D1
Group 86 D2 Broom D5
D3 Clays
D4
Group 126 Elm sill beams e n i L
n o i t c e S
Group 127 B 0 10 Fig 4 Plan of Site A m
Landward A B Seaward Clays
Group 127 D4 Group 126 Interface of clays Group 86 and gravels 0 10 Fig 5 Cross Section across Site A m
Fig 6 Timber 21: Elm Sill beam from site A (not to scale)
Fig 6 Timber 21: Elm Sill beam from site A (not to scale)
Fig 8 Timber 120: Oak beacon post (not to scale) Fig 9 Beacon posts in situ
Fig 10 Sill beam at base of the beacon
Fig 11 Section of Test Pit A Fig 12 Section of Test Pit B