Later Bronze Age and medieval remains at Zone K (Area K1), Beaulieu, Chelmsford, Essex: PXA and UPD

Oxford Archaeology East carried out an open area excavation within Zone K (Area K1), Beaulieu, Chelmsford ahead of proposed new housing. These works were carried out between the 24/10/16 and 18/11/16.
The earliest phase of archaeological remains encountered comprised two Later Bronze Age pits. These may represent votive offerings that are part of a wider pattern of Later Bronze Age open settlement identified across the Beaulieu development area.
Occupation of the site during the 12th to 13th century was represented by a series of ditches that probably formed part of a field system. A second phase of activity was indicated by the remains of a possible domestic structure with an associated surface and rubbish pits. Both phases of medieval activity may have formed part of a wider pattern of nucleated settlement which surrounded the nearby Belstead Hall manor complex.