Monument record HAD 061 - Red Hill Road/Lady Lane (Preh)

2000: Cluster of small features in west near Red Hill Road produced BA or IA pottery. Details in (S1).
2004: An area c. 70m by 45m was excavated and revealed a series of features probably belonging to the Early Iron Age (pottery included Darmsden type ware). Part of a ditched field system was bordered by a possible drove-way belonging to the same period. A large number of postholes were recognised and excavated, revealing six square and rectangular structures. Although several of these are 'classic' four-post structures common to the Late Bronze and Iron Ages, two are particularly large, c. 3m by 4m.
Another arrangement of postholes in a rectangle 3m by 8m could be interpreted as two square structures side by side, but a possible fringe of small postholes around the outside of the structure might indicate that it belongs to a single building. Rectangular structures are known from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age from Essex and the South of England and this example from Red Hill Road might belong to this group. Quantities of pottery, one hearth-like feature and the dark charcoal-rich fills of the postholes suggests that settlement could have taken place either on or close to the site.
A scatter of Early Bronze Age pottery points to an earlier presence on site, although most of this material appears to be residual in later features. It is possible that the earlier use fo the site was focussed on a large pit that would have held water and possibly acted as a well for watering stock. Details in (S2).
Also Med.