Roman Road and Occupation at Land South of Stanley Road, Great Chesterford, Essex

Between 7th and 8th January 2014, OA East carried out an archaeological evaluation on land south of Stanley Road and Four Acres, Great Chesterford, Essex (TL 511 431). A total of 10 trenches were excavated, and one Roman roadside ditch and an undated post hole were found in the southern part of the development area. All other trenches were devoid of archaeological features.
Further investigation was required prior to development and between 20th and 24th January 2014 OA East returned to site to carry out an excavation targeted on the area of the roadside ditch. Upon stripping the area, two clusters of large pits, two parallel linear features, a well and an inhumation were uncovered.
A large pottery assemblage was recovered from one of the pit clusters, along with a number of glass and metal artefacts. Analysis of environmental samples from the pits and parallel linear features found they contained large quantities of hammerscale and clinker, indicating nearby smithing activity.