Early post-medieval remains at Zone E, Beaulieu, Chelmsford

An archaeological evaluation comprising twelve trenches was carried out within a proposed open space next to the Zone E new neighbourhood, Beaulieu, Chelmsford, Essex. The fieldwork took place between the 13/08/16 and the 23/09/16.
The evaluation found evidence for Late Iron Age settlement comprising curvilinear gullies belonging to a possible roundhouse.
An east to west aligned field system and pits thought to be associated with a pit alignment recorded in excavations immediately to the north-west (Site 8) probably date to the late medieval/Tudor (transitional medieval) period. These features are likely to be evidence of the managed landscape associated with the Tudor Palace of Beaulieu constructed by Henry VIII and surrounding deer park. Other features associated with this phase of activity include a lime kiln that may have been used to provide lime for use in construction associated with the palace.