Land west of Heckford’s Road

Colchester

Essex

Archaeological Evaluation

for Welbeck Strategic Land II LLP

CA Project: 660840

Essex Site Code: GBEHR17

April 2017

LAND WEST OF HECKFORD’S ROAD GREAT BENTLEY ESSEX

Archaeological Evaluation

CA Project: 660840 CA Report: 17132

Document Control Grid Revision Date Author Checked by Status Reasons for Approved revision by 25/04/17 TL SRJ QA MLC

This report is confidential to the client. Cotswold Archaeology accepts no responsibility or liability to any third party to whom this report, or any part of it, is made known. Any such party relies upon this report entirely at their own risk. No part of this report may be reproduced by any means without permission.

© Cotswold Archaeology

© Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

CONTENTS

SUMMARY ...... 2

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 4

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND ...... 6

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 8

4. METHODOLOGY ...... 8

5. EVALUATION RESULTS (FIGS 2-9) ...... 9

6. THE FINDS ...... 13

7. DISCUSSION ...... 15

8. CA PROJECT TEAM ...... 17

9. REFERENCES ...... 17

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS ...... 18 APPENDIX B: THE FINDS ...... 22 APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM ...... 23

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 Site location plan (1:25,000) Fig. 2 Trench location plan showing archaeological features and inset of Trench 16 (1:750) and (1:100) Fig. 3 Trench 3: section and photograph (1:20) Fig. 4 Trench 4: sections and photographs (1:20) Fig. 5 Trenches 6 and 11: sections and photographs (1:20) Fig. 6 Trench 7: sections and photographs (1:20) Fig. 7 Trenches 10 and 11: sections and photographs (1:20) Fig. 8 Trench 16: section and photograph (1:20) Fig. 9 Trench 16: sections and photograph (1:20)

1 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

SUMMARY

Project Name: Land west of Heckford’s Road Location: Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, Essex NGR: TM 10993 22223 Type: Evaluation Date: 20-23 February 2017 Planning Reference: Tendering District Council 15/01820/OUT Location of Archive: To be deposited with Colchester & Ipswich Museum Accession Number: COLEM : 2017.40 Essex Site Code: GBHER17

In February 2017, an archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology of agricultural land located to the west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, Essex. The evaluation, which was commissioned by Welbeck Strategic Lannd II LLP, was carried out in compliance with a condition attached to outline planning consent for residential development. The evaluation comprised the excavation of sixteen 30m trial trenches.

Fieldwork to the immediate west of the site at Sturrick Farm revealed ditches forming a droveway and associated enclosures of probable Bronze Age or Iron Age date. The evaluation was undertaken to investigate the possible continuation of the droveway. Further to confirm the presence or absence of archaeological remains within the site and to consider the possible relationship of any remains revealed with cropmarks recorded in the wider surrounding area.

The evaluation revealed a low concentration of ditches and pits, producing limited dating evidence dispersed across the site. Notably, the possible continuation of the north-west to south-east aligned droveway recorded at Sturrick Farm was identified in the south-western corner of the site. A series of north-east to south-west aligned ditches were recorded at right angles to the droveway and may represent the remnants of an associated prehistoric field system.

Additionally, a possible ring ditch was recorded within the norther part of the site and although no dating evidence was recovered this may represent broadly contemporary

2 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation prehistoric activity. Overall, the site is generally characterised by low-level agrarian activity of possible prehistoric date.

3 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 In February 2017, Cotswold Archaeology (CA) carried out an archaeological evaluation of agricultural land to the west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley (site centred on NGR: TM 1099 2222; Fig. 1), hereafter the site. . The evaluation was commissioned by Welbeck Strategic Land II LLP.

1.2 The evaluation was undertaken in respect of outline planning permission (15/01820/OUT) granted by District Council (TDC; the local planning authority) for the residential development of the site along with associated development and infrastructure. In keeping with paragraph 141 of the National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG 2012) and on a recommendation from Teresa O’Connor, Essex County Council’s Historic Environment Consultant (ECCHEC; the archaeological advisors to TDC), a condition was attached to the consent requiring that:

1. No development or preliminary ground-works can commence until a programme of archaeological trial trenching has been secured and undertaken in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation, which has been submitted by the applicant, and approved by the planning authority. Following the completion of this initial phase of archaeological work, a summary report will be prepared and a mitigation strategy detailing the approach to further archaeological excavation and/or preservation in situ through re-design of the development, shall be submitted to the local planning authority.

2. No development or preliminary groundwork can commence on those areas of the development site containing archaeological deposits, until the satisfactory completion of archaeological fieldwork, as detailed in the mitigation strategy, which has been signed off by the local planning authority.

3. Following completion of the archaeological fieldwork, the applicant will submit to the local planning authority a post-excavation assessment (within six months of the completion date, unless otherwise agreed in advance with the planning authority), which will result in the completion of post-excavation analysis, preparation of a full site archive and report ready for deposition at the local museum, and submission of a publication report.

4 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

1.3 The scope of the evaluation, which comprised the excavation of 16 X 30m long trial trenches, was agreed during discussions between CA and Teresa O’Connor. It was carried out in accordance with a Brief for Archaeological Evaluation, prepared by Teresa O’Connor (2017) and an approved Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) produced by CA (2017). The fieldwork also followed Standard and Guidance: Archaeological Field Evaluation (CIfA 2014), Management of Archaeological Projects 2 (English Heritage 1991), Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (MoRPHE): Project Manager’s Guide (HE 2015) and Standards for Field Archaeology in the East of (Gurney 2003). The fieldwork was monitored by Teresa O’Connor, including a site visit on 21 February 2017.

The site

1.4 The proposed development site comprises agricultural land which covers an area of 2.4ha. The site is bounded by Heckford’s Road to the east, residential properties to the west and south and open land to the north. The site lies on relatively flat land between 25 to 28m above Ordnance Datum (aOD).

1.5 The underlying bedrock geology of the area is mapped as Thames Group clay and silt of the Palaeogene Period (BGS 2017). It is overlain by superficial deposits of Cover Sand comprising clay, silt and sand formed during the Quaternary period (BGS 2017). Previous archaeological work directly to the west recorded the geology as sandy silty clay with some patches of silt (CAT 2014).

5 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 The archaeological and historical background of the site has been presented in a historic environment assessment produced by SLR Consulting (SLR 2015). The following section is summarised from this source and supplemented with information from the the Essex Historic Environment Record (HER) and other historical records via online sources (HER numbers in parenthesis).

Prehistoric (pre-AD 43) 2.2 There are a number of undated cropmarks, possibly indicative of prehistoric activity recorded within a 2km radius of the Site. Flintwork of early Mesolithic and later date has been recovered to the north-west of the site, around the upper stretches of the Bentley Brook. Pits and other features (MEX1031573 and MEX9209) recorded in the same area possibly represent Neolithic activity.

2.3 Penanular cropmarks are interpreted as evidence for possible barrows of Bronze Age date (MEX10982). A concentration lies between 200 to 750m to the north-west of the site situated on elevated ground overlooking the west side of Bentley Brook, within a cropmark group indicating several phases of occupation. A socketed axe head (MEX1042764) of possible Bronze Age date has been found to the north of the site.

2.4 Evidence for Iron Age activity largely comprises findspots, possibly associated with cropmarks of possible enclosures and field systems recorded to the west of Bentley Brook. Additionally, Iron Age cremations are recorded to the south-east of the site (MEX10715 and MEX10711).

2.5 Recent fieldwork at Sturrick Farm (CAT 2014) to the immediate west of the site identified ditches forming a droveway and associated enclosures of probable Bronze Age or Iron Age date, however, very few prehistoric finds were recovered. The prevailing alignment of the features, including the droveway, was north-west to south-east. The projected continuation of the droveway extends into the south- western corner of the site (Fig. 2).

Roman (AD 43 to AD 410) 2.6 Evidence for Roman activity largely comprises findspots possibly associated with cropmarks of field systems recorded to the west of Bentley Brook. Roman tile and

6 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

tegula (MEX1040413) have been found approximately 2km to the south-east of the site, interpreted as possible evidence for a villa in the area. However, the nearest known villa lies 14km to the north-east at Little Oakley. A Roman road runs roughly east-west approximately 2km to the south of the site, to the south of Great Bentley.

Medieval (AD 410 to 1485) 2.7 The medieval settlement pattern has largely been suggested based on documentary evidence and surviving buildings. A ‘Bentley’ is referred to in 1040 but a later record of 1254 distinguish between ‘great’ and ‘little’ Bentley. The reference to Bentley in the Domesday text indicates a moderately sized settlement with a good deal of resources including six acres of meadow, pasture for 150 sheep and woodland for 150 pigs as well as a salthouse, suggesting the curing of meat occurred within the settlement (Williams 2002).

2.8 At Great Bentley, moats and fish ponds (MEX11639 and MEX10795) have been recorded adjacent to the medieval church of St Mary (HE list number 1306652), on the western edge of the green. A medieval house and cottage (HE list number 1111408) have been recorded on the southern edge of the green. It has been suggested this is evidence for medieval activity, to the west and south of the green represents the earliest medieval settlement.

Post-medieval (1485 to present) 2.9 Surviving buildings and historic mapping indicate that a mill (MEX1040396) and two cottages stood in the area of the green. However, post-medieval occupation was largely concentrated on the western and southern edges of Great Bentley.

7 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

3.1 The objectives of the evaluation, as stated in the WSI (CA 2017), were to provide information about the archaeological resource within the site, including its presence/absence, character, extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and quality. In accordance with Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Evaluation (CIfA 2014), the evaluation was designed to be minimally intrusive and minimally destructive to archaeological remains. The information gathered will enable TDC, as advised by ECCHEC, to identify and assess the particular significance of any heritage asset within the site, consider the impact of the proposed development upon it, and to avoid or minimise conflict between the heritage asset’s conservation and any aspect of the development proposal, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG 2012).

3.2 The specific objectives of the evaluation, as stated in the brief issued by ECCHEC (O’Connor 2017) were to investigate the possible continuation of the droveway and any other features identified during the trial trench evaluation of land at Sturrick Farm to the immediate west of the Site (CAT 2014). Also, to consider the possible relationship of any remains revealed with cropmarks recorded in the wider surrounding area.

4. METHODOLOGY

4.1 The fieldwork comprised the excavation of 16 trenches, measuring 30m long by 1.8m wide (a total of 480 linear metres; Fig.2). The trenches were distributed randomly to provide a representative sample of the proposed development area. Additionally, Trenches 3 and 4 were positioned to investigate the possible continuation of the droveway identified during the trial trench evaluation of land at Sturrick Farm to the immediate west of the site (CAT 2014). Due to the proximity of a footpath located along the field boundary to the south (Trenches 1 to 4 were moved 2m north to create a safe buffer for pedestrians); this was done with the approval of the ECCHEC. Trenches were set out on OS National Grid (NGR) co- ordinates using Leica GPS and surveyed in accordance with CA Technical Manual 4: Survey Manual (CA 2009).

4.2 All trenches were excavated by mechanical excavator equipped with a toothless grading bucket. All machine excavation was undertaken under constant archaeological supervision to the top of the first significant archaeological horizon or

8 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

the natural substrate, whichever was encountered first. Where archaeological features and deposits were encountered, they were investigated and recorded in accordance with CA Technical Manual 1: Fieldwork Recording Manual (CA 2007).

4.3 Deposits were assessed for their palaeoenvironmental potential in accordance with CA Technical Manual 2: The Taking and Processing of Environmental and Other Samples from Archaeological Sites, however there were no deposits suitable for environmental sampling. All artefacts recovered were processed in accordance with Technical Manual 3: Treatment of Finds Immediately after Excavation (CA 2010).

4.4 The archive and artefacts from the evaluation, which are currently held by CA at their offices in Milton Keynes will be deposited with Colchester & Ipswich Museum, subject to agreement if the legal landowner. A summary of information from this project, set out within Appendix C, will be entered onto the OASIS online database of archaeological projects in Britain.

5. EVALUATION RESULTS (FIGS. 2-9)

5.1 The evaluation comprised the excavation of 16 x 30m trenches (480 linear metres), in the locations shown on Figure 2. This section provides an overview of the results comprising a summary of the general stratigraphy, followed by detailed trench descriptions where archaeological features were encountered. Detailed summaries of the recorded contexts and finds recovered are presented in Appendices A and B respectively.

Summary and general stratigraphy

5.2 The trenches were machine-excavated to the surface of the geological substrate, which comprised yellow brown silty sands with patches of orange brown sandy clays, consistent with superficial deposits of Cover Sand (BGS 2017), encountered at an average depth of 0.56m below ground level. There were no archaeological remains in seven trenches (Trenches 1- 2, 5, 8- 9, 12 & 13). The overburden across the site was very uniform, consisting of very loose dark greyish brown silty clay topsoil, measuring 0.23m-0.43m thick overlying firm mid greyish brown silty clay subsoil measuring 0.17m-0.45m thick.

9 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

Trench 3 (Figs. 2 & 3) 5.3 A single north-west to south-east aligned ditch 303 measuring 1.1m wide and 0.36m deep (Fig.3; Section AA) was revealed towards the southern end of the trench. The fill (304), consisted of moderately compacted mid grey brown silty sand with small sub-angular stone inclusions, producing one sherd of prehistoric pottery. This ditch broadly corresponds with the projected continuation of the northern flanking ditch of the droveway identified in trial trench evaluation at Sturrick Farm to the immediate west of the site (CAT 2014).

Trench 4 (Figs. 2 & 4) 5.4 Three ditches and one pit were recorded in Trench 4. North-west to south-east orientated ditch 403 (Fig.4; Section BB), measuring 0.8m wide by 0.19m deep contained a sterile fill comprising a loose mid grey brown silty sand with small rounded stone inclusions (404). Ditch 405 (Fig.4; Section CC) ran parallel to ditch 403 at the northern end of the trench. It measured 1.27m wide by 0.57m deep with a v-shaped profile and its sterile fill (406) consisted of mid grey brown moderately compacted silty sand with small sub-rounded stone inclusions.

5.5 A roughly north to south aligned ditch 411 crossed the trench between ditches 403 and 405; however no relationship was evident within the confines of the trench. It contained a sterile fill (412).

5.6 Shallow pit 413 was partially revealed emerging from the south-eastern side of the trench. The full extent of which was not visible, however it measured 1.5m long, in excess off 0.4m wide and 0.08m deep. Its sterile fill (414) comprised a loosely compacted mid brown grey silty sand. Three large amorphous possible features (407, 409 and 415) were investigated within Trench 4, all of which were irregular and contained pockets of upcast geology and were interpreted as the remnants of treethrows.

Trench 6 (Figs. 2 & 5) 5.7 A single ditch, 603 (Fig. 5; Section DD), was investigated in Trench 6. It measured 0.52m wide by 0.21m deep. Its sterile fill (604) consisted of moderately compacted mid browny grey silty sand.

10 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

Trench 7 (Figs. 2 & 6) 5.8 Four ditches were revealed in the eastern half of Trench 7 located at the easternmost end of the trench was a north-east to south-west aligned ditch 703. It measured 0.84m wide by 0.22m deep with gradually sloping sides and a rounded base. It contained a sterile fill comprising a loose mid greyish brown silty clay with rare sub-rounded stone inclusions (704). To the immediate west was north-east to south-west orientated ditch 705. It measured 0.6m wide by 0.23m deep with gradually sloping sides and a rounded base. It contained a sterile fill comprising loose dark brownish grey silty sand with rare small sub-rounded stone inclusions (706).

5.9 Ditch 707 (Fig. 6; Section FF) ran on a broadly north-south alignment to the immediate west of ditch 705. It measured 1.42m wide by 0.38m deep and contained a dark brownish grey silty sand fill with rare small sub-rounded stone inclusions (708), from which one sherd of prehistoric pottery and two fragments of fired clay were recovered.

5.10 Ditch 709 (Fig. 6; Section GG) was positioned broadly centrally within the trench and curved from north-east to south-west. It measured 0.93m wide by 0.24m deep with a gradual upper break of slope to moderately sloping sides and a rounded base. It contained sterile mid brownish grey silty sand with rare small rounded stone inclusions (710).

Trench 10 (Figs. 2 & 7) 5.11 Two pits were revealed towards the south-western end of Trench 10. Pit 1006 was a small sub-circular pit measuring 0.7m by 0.6m in plan by 0.15m deep with a tapered base. It contained a sterile loosely compacted dark brown fine silty clay, with occasional small sub-angular gravel (1007). Pit 1003 (Fig. 7; Section HH) was rectangular in plan with rounded corners, measuring 2.05m long by 1.1m wide by 0.23m deep. It contained two sterile fills, the upper fill (1005) was a moderately compacted pale grey fine silty clay, with rare tiny charcoal flecks and occasional small stone inclusions and the lower fill (1004) was a loose light grey fine silty sand with small sub-angular gravels.

Trench 11 (Figs. 2, 5 & 7) 5.12 North-east to south-west aligned ditch 1105 (Fig. 5; Section EE) was revealed within the northern half of the trench. It measured 0.75m wide by 0.22m deep with

11 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

gradually sloping concave sides with a rounded base. The sterile fill comprised a moderately compacted mid greyish brown silty clay fill (1106). Ditch 1105 is considered likely to represent the probable continuation of ditch 603 recorded in Trench 6 to the south-west (Fig. 2). Sub-rectangular pit 1103 (Fig.7; Section II) was recorded to the immediate north of ditch 1105. It had rounded corners and vertical sides and a flat base. The fill comprised a very loose dark reddish brown silty clay with occasional small stone inclusions (1104).

Trench 14 (Fig. 2) 5.13 North-east to south-west aligned ditch 1405 was recorded at the eastern end of Trench 14. It measured 0.55m wide by 0.15m deep, with gradual concave sides and a rounded base. It was filled by mid reddish brown friable clayey sand with occasional small stone and charcoal inclusions (1406) from which four sherds of prehistoric pottery were recovered. A small irregular tree throw 1403 (not illustrated) was also investigated and was found to be irregular in plan with uneven sides and an irregular base. The fill consisted of loose mid grey brown silty sand with occasional small gravel inclusions and upcast deposits of sand and gravel geology (1404).

Trench 15 (Fig. 2) 5.14 North-west to south-east ditch 1505 was revealed centrally within Trench 15. It measured 0.63m wide by 0.28m deep with gradually sloped, concave sides and a rounded base. The fill comprised a loose mid reddish brown clayey silt and occasional small sub-rounded stone inclusions (1506). Oval pit 1503 lay to the immediate south of ditch 1505. It measured 1.1m long by 0.62m wide by 0.2m deep, with gently sloping concave sides and an uneven largely flat base. It contained a loose mid reddish brown clayey silt fill with occasional small stone inclusions (1504).

Trench 16 (Figs. 2, 8 & 9) 5.15 A semi-circular ditch 1605, 1607 & 1609 (Fig. 9; Sections KK, LL, MM respectively) was recorded within the western half of Trench 16. Three sections were excavated (1605, 1607 & 1609), all of which had steep sides and a rounded base containing a sterile loosely compacted mid greyish brown silty sand fill (1606), (1608) and (1610) from which no finds were recovered.

5.16 North-south aligned ditch 1603 (Fig. 8; Section JJ) lay to the east of semi-circular ditch 1605/1607/1609. It had gradually sloping sides with an irregular base and

12 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

contained a compact mid brown grey silty sand with rare small stone inclusions (1604). At the eastern extent of the trench north-east to south-west aligned ditch 1613 had moderately sloping, slightly concave sides with a rounded base. It contained a loose light brownish grey silty sand with occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions (1614).

5.17 An oval pit 1611 measuring 0.63m long by 0.4m wide by 0.09m deep was revealed at the western end of the trench. Its fill consisted of mid grey brown loose silty sand (1612). Two amorphous possible features (1615 & 1617) were also investigated within Trench 16. These were irregularly shaped with variable sides and uneven bases, and were interpreted as tree throws.

6. THE FINDS

6.1 The artefactual material recovered from the evaluation is recorded in Appendix B and discussed below. Recording of the finds assemblage was direct to an access database; this now forms the basis of Appendix B (Table 1). The finds consist of six sherds of pottery and two pieces of fired clay. The pottery was examined, using a binocular microscope at 10x magnification, by context and quantified according to sherd count and weight per fabric type. The fired clay was examined macroscopically and quantified by fragment and weight.

Pottery 6.2 The assemblage comprises six sherds of pottery at a total weight of 9g. All of the sherds are prehistoric in date, although no identifiable forms were present. The assemblage comprised two different fabrics; a flint and grog-tempered fabric and a sand, organic and flint-tempered fabric. The condition of the assemblage is poor; all sherds are heavily abraded and the mean sherd weight is 1.5g.

Prehistoric 6.3 One sherd (3g), made in a flint and grog-tempered fabric, was recovered from deposit (304), the fill of ditch 303.

6.4 One sherd (3g), also made in a flint and grog-tempered fabric, was recovered from deposit (708), the fill of ditch 707. The fabric contained voids which indicate the presence of organic material used in the fabric.

13 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

6.5 Three sherds (1g), made in a sand, organic and flint fabric, were recovered from deposit (1406), the fill of ditch 1405. One sherd (2g), made in a sandy fabric, was recovered from the same context. Both these fabrics contained voids which indicate the presence of organic material used in the fabric.

Fired Clay 6.6 Two fragments (75g) of fired clay were recovered from deposit (708), the fill of ditch 707. Both fragments were made in a sandy fabric. The larger fragment (70g) is amorphous save, for a flat surface on one side. There is an absence of wattle impressions. The smaller fragment (5g) is amorphous with small (<1mm across) indentations possibly from organic material impressed into the surface. The function of both fragments is indeterminate.

Statement of potential 6.7 The finds assemblage is small and offers little in the way of diagnostic potential. The pottery sherds are small and heavily abraded. It is not possible to reliably date the features based on the ceramic material alone. The small quantity and abraded nature of the ceramics and fired clay means that the assemblage offers little scope for analysis of the nature of occupation on the site.

14 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

7. DISCUSSION

7.1 Overall, the site is generally characterised by agricultural activity of possible prehistoric date. The results are consistent with that recorded at Sturrick Farm (CAT 2014) to the immediate west. The evaluation revealed a low concentration of ditches and pits, producing limited dating evidence dispersed across the site. Notably, the possible continuation of the north-west to south-east aligned droveway recorded at Sturrick Farm was identified in the south-west corner of the site.

7.2 In total only three features produced dating evidence and the majority of features were undated. Further, the pottery recovered comprised abraded sherds and it was not considered possible to reliably date the features based on the ceramic material alone. The possible continuation of the north-west to south-east droveway previously recorded at Sturrick Farm was revealed in Trenches 3 and 4 comprising ditches 303, 403 and 405. A single sherd of prehistoric pottery was recovered from ditch 303 and this and the correlation with the features recorded at Sturrick Farm suggests that a prehistoric date is likely. A series of north-east to south-west aligned ditches 703, 603/1105, 1405 and 1505 and 1613 were recorded at right angles to the droveway and may represent the remnants of an associated prehistoric field system. Although only ditch 1405 produced prehistoric pottery, all of these north- east to south-west aligned ditches were of similar morphology and contained similar fills suggesting that they were broadly contemporary. Furthermore, they continue the prevailing alignment of features recorded at Sturrick Farm to the immediate west, indicating the likelihood that they represent associated prehistoric activity. It is considered likely that these features represent a single phase of agricultural activity. The limited nature and poor condition of the pottery recovered suggests that the site was most likely situated on the periphery of any settlement, possibly centred on the cropmarks recorded to the north-west of the site.

7.3 Additionally, a possible ring ditch 1606, 1607 and 1609 was recorded at the north of the site and although no dating evidence was recovered this may represent broadly contemporary prehistoric activity.

7.4 The remainder of the features recorded across the site do not conform to a clear pattern and the lack of dating evidence does not allow for any phasing. However several features including pits 1003 and 1103 were considered likely to be of modern date based on the morphology and the nature of the fills. Additionally, a

15 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

modern water service was observed in Trench 10 indicting modern disturbance within this part of the site.

7.5 The trial trench evaluation revealed the possible continuation of the prehistoric droveway recorded at Sturrick Farm along within associated evidence for possible prehistoric activity of an agricultural nature. The prevailing alignment of the features recorded at Sturrick Farm was north-west to south-east and a number of the ditches recorded within the site followed a similar alignment, suggesting that they may represent broadly contemporary activity. However, the limited dating evidence does not allow for any detailed phasing or interpretation of the remains in relation to those recorded at Sturrick Farm.

16 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

8. CA PROJECT TEAM

8.1 The fieldwork was undertaken by Timothy Lewis, assisted by Alice Amabilino, Callum Ruse and Robert Falvey. The report was written by Timothy Lewis with the finds report written by Peter Banks. The illustrations were prepared by Sam O’Leary. The archive has been compiled by Emily Evans, and prepared for deposition by Hazel O’Neill. The project was managed for CA by Michelle Collings.

9. REFERENCES

BGS (British Geological Survey). 2017 Geology of Britain Viewer http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geology viewer_google/googleviewer.html Accessed 28 February 2017

CA (Cotswold Archaeology). 2017 Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, Essex

CAT (Colchester Archaeological Trust). 2014 Archaeological trial-trenching evaluation at Sturrick Farm, Sturrick Lane, Great Bentley, Essex 794

DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government). 2012 National Planning Policy Framework

Gurney, D. 2003 Standards for Field Archaeology in the , East Anglian Archaeology Occasional Paper 14

O’Connor, T. 2017 Brief for Archaeological trial trenching on land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley. Unpub report.

SLR. 2015 Historic Environment Assessment Bentley Gate, Great Bentley. Unpub report

Williams, A and Martin, G. H. 2002 Domesday Book: a complete translation. : Penguin

17 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

APPENDIX A: CONTEXT DESCRIPTIONS

Context Type Fill of Context Description L W D Spot- No. interpretation (m) (m) (m) date Trench 1 100 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, 0.39 Modern - - occasions small sub-rounded stone. 5 101 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.34 small sub-rounded stones. 102 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. Trench 2 200 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.39 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 201 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.30 small sub-rounded stones. 202 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. Trench 3 300 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.40 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 301 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.23 small sub-rounded stones. 302 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 303 Cut cut of Ditch NW-SE linear, gradual breaks of slope, steep >2 1.1 0.36 sided to SW with concave base. 304 Fill 303 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand. Moderately Prehist. - - 0.36 compacted with small sub-angular stone. Trench 4 400 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.34 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 401 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.3 small sub-rounded stones. 402 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 403 Cut cut of Ditch NW-SE linear, steep side to NE, gradual to >2 0.8 0.19 SW. Gradual concave base. 404 Fill 403 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand, friable with small Prehist. - - 0.19 rounded stones. 405 Cut cut of Ditch NW-SE linear, steep sided with rounded point >2 1.27 0.57 base. 406 Fill 405 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand, moderately Prehist. compacted with small sub-rounded stone - - 0.57 inclusions. 407 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped, uneven sides and rough 2.5 1.02 0.13 treethrow base 408 Fill 407 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.13 gravel natural 409 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped uneven sides and rough >1.8 4 0.13 treethrow base 410 Fill 409 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.13 gravel natural 411 Cut cut of Ditch N-S linear, gradual concave sides with a >2 0.55 0.16 rounded base. 412 Fill 411 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand, moderately loose Undated - - 0.16 compaction with small sound stone inclusions. 413 Cut cut of pit Sub-circular shape, flattish base, shallow >0.4 >1 0.08 concave sides. 2 414 Fill 413 fill of pit Mid browny grey silty sand, loosely Undated - - 0.08 compacted. 415 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped uneven sides and rough >1.8 3.4 0.21 treethrow base

18 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

Context Type Fill of Context Description L W D Spot- No. interpretation (m) (m) (m) date 416 Fill 415 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.21 gravel natural Trench 5 500 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.23 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 501 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.37 small sub-rounded stones. 502 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. Trench 6 600 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.31 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 601 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.40 small sub-rounded stones. 602 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 603 Cut cut of Ditch NE-SW linear, sharp upper break of slope, gradual concave sides with gradual lower >2 0.52 0.21 break of slope and concave base. 604 Fill 603 fill of Ditch Mid browny grey silty sand. Moderately Undated - - 0.21 compacted. Trench 7 700 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.35 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 701 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.30 small sub-rounded stones. 702 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 703 Cut cut of Ditch NE-SW linear, upper break of slope gradual, gradually sloping concave sides with gradual >2 0.84 0.22 break to rounded base. 704 Fill 703 fill of Ditch Mid greyish brown silty clay. Friable with rare Undated - - 0.22 sub-rounded stone inclusions. 705 Cut cut of Ditch NE-SW linear, upper break of slope gradual, gradually sloping concave sides with gradual >2 0.6 0.23 break to rounded base. 706 Fill 705 fill of Ditch Dark brownish grey silty sand, friable with rare Undated - - 0.23 small sub-rounded stone inclusions. 707 Cut cut of Ditch N-S linear, upper break of slope gradual, gradually sloping concave sides with gradual >2 1.42 0.38 break to rounded base. 708 Fill 707 fill of Ditch Dark brownish grey silty sand, friable with rare Prehist. - - 0.38 small sub-rounded stone inclusions. 709 Cut cut of Ditch Curvilinear ditch, NE-SW, gradual upper break of slope to moderately sloping sides and >2 0.93 0.24 gradual rounded base. 710 Fill 709 fill of Ditch Mid brownish grey silty sand, friable with rare Undated

small rounded stone inclusions. Trench 8 800 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.42 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 801 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.21 small sub-rounded stones. 802 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. Trench 9 900 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.35 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 901 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.30 small sub-rounded stones. 902 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 903 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped uneven sides and rough 0.67 0.62 0.08 treethrow base

19 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

Context Type Fill of Context Description L W D Spot- No. interpretation (m) (m) (m) date 904 Fill 903 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.08 gravel natural 905 Cut cut of Modern Vertically sided, clean cut. >2 0.2 0.4 Ditch 906 Fill 905 fill of Modern Mix of topsoil, subsoil and natural. Modern Modern - - 0.4 Ditch plastic water main encountered at base. 907 Cut cut of Modern Vertically sided, clean cut. >2 0.3 0.5 Ditch 908 Fill 907 fill of Modern Mix of topsoil, subsoil and natural. Very loose, Modern - - 0.5 Ditch grass and modern refuse found in fill. Trench 10 1000 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.35 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1001 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.30 small sub-rounded stones. 1002 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 1003 Cut cut of Pit Sub-square to oval pit, rounded corners, Undated uneven slope generally gradual. Rounded 2.05 1.1 0.23 base. 1004 Fill 1003 fill of Pit Light grey loose fine silty sand with small sub- Undated - - 0.15 angular gravels. 1005 Fill 1003 fill of Pit Pale grey fine silty clay, moderately Undated compacted with rare tiny charcoal flecks and - - 0.23 occasional small stones. 1006 Cut cut of Pit Sub-circular to oval pit, rounded corners, 0.6 0.7 0.15 gently sloping with rounded point base. 1007 Fill 1006 fill of Pit Dark brown fine silty clay, loosely compacted Undated - - 0.15 with occasional small sub-angular gravel. Trench 11 1100 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.43 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1101 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.22 small sub-rounded stones. 1102 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 1103 Cut cut of Pit Sub-rectangular pit, rounded corners, sharp upper break of slope to vertical sides with flat 2.7 0.94 0.62 base. Orientated N-S 1104 Fill 1103 fill of Pit Dark reddish brown silty clay. Very loose and Undated - - 0.62 friable with occasional small stone inclusions. 1105 Cut cut of Ditch NE-SW linear, gradual concave sides with a >2 0.75 0.22 rounded base. 1106 Fill 1105 fill of Ditch Mid greyish brown silty clay, moderate Undated - - 0.22 compaction, friable Trench 12 1200 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.31 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1201 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.33 small sub-rounded stones. 1202 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. Trench 13 1300 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.35 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1301 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.17 small sub-rounded stones. 1302 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. Trench 14 1400 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.40 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1401 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.20 small sub-rounded stones.

20 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

Context Type Fill of Context Description L W D Spot- No. interpretation (m) (m) (m) date 1402 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 1403 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped uneven sides and rough 0.27 0.34 0.15 treethrow base 1404 Fill 1403 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.15 gravel natural 1405 Cut cut of Ditch NE-SW linear, gradual concave sides, rounded >2 0.55 0.15 base 1406 Fill 1405 fill of Ditch Mid reddish brown friable clayey sand. Prehist. - - 0.15 Occasional small stone and charcoal. Trench 15 1500 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.37 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1501 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.45 small sub-rounded stones. 1502 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 1503 Cut cut of Pit Circular in plan, gently sloping sides, concave. 1.1 0.62 0.2 Uneven, largely flat base. 1504 Fill 1503 fill of Pit Loose mid reddish brown clayey silt, Undated - - 0.2 occasional small stones. 1505 Cut cut of Ditch Terminus of NW-SE linear. Gradually sloped, >2 0.63 0.28 concave sides, rounded base, off centre to SE. 1506 Fill 1505 fill of Ditch Loose mid reddish brown clayey silt. Undated - - 0.28 Occasional small sub-rounded stones. Trench 16 1600 Layer Topsoil Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable, Modern - - 0.38 occasions small sub-rounded stone. 1601 Layer Subsoil Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm, occasional - - 0.37 small sub-rounded stones. 1602 Layer Geology Mid brownish yellow course sand and sandy - - - clay. 1603 Cut cut of Ditch N/S linear, gradually sloping sides with >2 1.58 0.28 irregular base. 1604 Fill 1603 fill of Ditch Mid brown grey silty sand. Compact with rare Undated - - 0.28 small stone inclusions. 1605 Cut cut of Ditch Semi-circular (ring). Sharp upper break of >2 0.6 0.17 slope, steep sides, gradual rounded base. 1606 Fill 1605 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand, loosely compacted. - - 0.17 Undated 1607 Cut cut of Ditch Semi-circular (ring). Sharp upper break of >2 0.33 0.13 slope, steep sides, gradual rounded base. 1608 Fill 1607 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand, loosely compacted. - - 0.13 Undated 1609 Cut cut of Ditch Semi-circular (ring). Sharp upper break of >2 0.37 0.12 slope, steep sides, gradual rounded base. 1610 Fill 1609 fill of Ditch Mid grey brown silty sand, loosely compacted. - - 0.12 Undated 1611 Cut cut of Pit Circular in plan, shallow slope, concave sides 0.4 0.63 0.09 to rounded base. 1612 Fill 1611 fill of Pit Mid grey brown loose silty sand. - - 0.09 Undated 1613 Cut cut of Ditch NE-SW linear, moderately sloping, slightly >2 0.96 0.32 concave sides with rounded base. 1614 Fill 1613 fill of Ditch Light brownish grey silty sand. Loose with Undated - - 0.32 occasional sub-rounded stone inclusions. 1615 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped uneven sides and rough 1.5 1.63 0.21 treethrow base 1616 Fill 1615 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.21 gravel natural 1617 Cut cut of Irregularly shaped uneven sides and rough 2.03 1.22 0.14 treethrow base 1618 Fill 1617 fill of treethrow Mid grey brown silty sand, loose. Occasional n/a small gravel with uncast deposits of sand and - - 0.14 gravel natural

21 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

APPENDIX B: THE FINDS

Table 1: Quantification of finds by context

Weight Spot Context Material Description Count (g) Date 304 Prehistoric ceramics Flint and Grog-tempered 1 3 PREH 708 Prehistoric ceramics Flint and Grog-tempered with voids 1 3 PREH 708 Fired Clay 2 75 1406 Prehistoric ceramics Sand, Flint and Organic-tempered fabric with voids 3 1 PREH 1406 Prehistoric ceramics Sand and Organic-tempered fabric with voids 1 2 PREH

22 © Cotswold Archaeology Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colcheester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation

APPENDIX C: OASIS REPORT FORM

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Name Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley Short description The evaluation revealed a low concentration of ditches and pits, producing limited dating evidence dispersed across the site. Notably, the possible continuation of the north-west to south-east aligned droveway recorded at Sturrick Farm was identified in the south-west corner of the site. A series of north-east to south-west aligned ditches were recorded at right angles to the droveway and may represent the remnants of an associated prehistoric field system. Additionally, possible ring ditch was recorded at the north of the site and although no dating evidence was recovered this may represent broadly contemporary prehistoric activity. Overall, the site is generally characterised by low-level agrarian activity of possible prehistoric date. Project dates 20th-23rd February 2017 Project type Field Evaluation

Previous work Bentley Gate, Great Bentley Historic Environment Assessment (SLR 2015)

Future work Unknown PROJECT LOCATION Site Location Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, Essex Study area (M2/ha) Site co-ordinates TM 10993 22223

PROJECT CREATORS Name of organisation Cotswold Archaeology (CA) Project Brief originator Essex county Council Project Design (WSI) originator CA

Project Manager Michelle Collings (CA)_ Project Supervisor Timothy Lewis (CA) MONUMENT TYPE Ditches, Pits SIGNIFICANT FINDS none PROJECT ARCHIVES Intended final location of archive Content (museum/Accession no.)

Physical Colchester & Ipswich Museum Service Pottery andfired clay Paper Site records Digital Essex HER Report and digital photos BIBLIOGRAPHY

CA (Cotswold Archaeology) 2017 Land west of Heckford’s Road, Great Bentley, Colchester, Essex: Archaeological Evaluation. CA typescript report 17132

23 0099 1100 1111 1122 1133

2244

2233

2222

2211

2200

1199 TM

N Andover 01264 347630 Cotswold Cirencester 01285 771022 SUFFOLK Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex ESSEX FIGURE TITLE Site location plan 0 1km

FIGURE NO. Reproduced from the digital Ordnance Survey Explorer map with DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Controller CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 of Her Majesty's Stationery Office c Crown copyright Cotswold Archaeology Ltd 100002109 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:25,000 1

NW facing section of ditch 303, looking south-east (scale 1m)

Section AA

NE SW 26.0m AOD

304

ditch 303

01m

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trench 3: section and photograph

DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 3 North-west facing section of ditch 403, looking south-east (scale 0.3m) North-west facing section of ditch 405, looking south-east (scale 1m)

Section BB Section CC NE SW NE SW 26.5m 26.6m AOD AOD 404

ditch 403 406 Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 ditch 405 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trench 4: sections and photographs

01m DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 4 North-east facing section of ditch 603, looking south-west (scale 0.3m) North-east facing section of ditch 1105, looking south-west (scale 0.5m)

Section DD Section EE SE NW SE NW 25.9m AOD 00.0m AOD Andover 01264 347630 604 1106 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 ditch 1105 Milton Keynes 01908 564660 ditch 603 Archaeology w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trenches 6 and 11: sections and photographs 01m DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 5 North facing section of ditch 707, looking south (scale 1m) North facing section of ditch 709, looking south (scale 1m)

Section FF Section GG

EWSE NW 25.7m 25.6m AOD AOD 710 708

ditch 709 Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 ditch 707 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trench 7: sections and photographs

01m DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 6 Pit 1003, looking north (scale 1m) Pit 1103, looking east (scale 1m)

Section II

Section HH W EN S

SWNE NW SE 25.8m AOD 25.7m AOD

1004 1005 1004 Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 1104 pit 1103 Exeter 01392 826185 pit 1003 Cotswold Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trenches 10 and 11: sections and photographs 01m DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 7 North facing section of ditch 1603, looking south (scale 1m)

Section JJ

E W 26.0m AOD 1604

ditch 1603

01m

Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trench 16: section and photograph

DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 8 Overview of slots in semi-circular ditch, looking north (scale 2m)

Section KK Section LL

WE SN 25.9m 26.1m AOD AOD 1608 1606 ditch 1607

ditch 1605

Section MM Andover 01264 347630 Cirencester 01285 771022 SW NE Cotswold Exeter 01392 826185 26.0m Archaeology Milton Keynes 01908 564660 AOD w www.cotswoldarchaeology.co.uk 1610 e [email protected]

PROJECT TITLE ditch 1609 Land west of Heckfords Road, Great Bentley, Essex

FIGURE TITLE Trench 16: sections and photograph

01m

DRAWN BY SO PROJECT NO. 660840 FIGURE NO. CHECKED BY DJB DATE 27/02/2017 APPROVED BY MC SCALE@A4 1:20 9

24