Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 669: summary

An archaeological evaluation by trial-trenching at Throws Farm, Stebbing, Essex: October 2012
by Adam Wightman (with contributions from Stephen Benfield)

Date report completed: 20.11.12
Location: Throws Farm, Stebbing, Essex
Map reference(s): TL 6584 2248 (c)
File size: 5,676 kb
Project type: Evaluation by trial-trenching
Significance of the results: neg
Keywords: -

Summary. Three trial-trenches were excavated by the Colchester Archaeological Trust within the footprints of three of the four proposed buildings which are to be located in and around the existing buildings at Throws Farm. Two of the proposed buildings are on vacant ground, one is across the sites of two buildings to be demolished, and one is across vacant ground and the sites of two buildings, one of which is to demolished and one to be partly demolished. Seven potential archaeological features were identified by the evaluation, ie a possible natural glacial feature, three probable tree-throw pits, and three shallow features containing modern building materials (a ?trench and two large pits). Evidence of activity associated with Throws Farm during the modern and later post-medieval periods was identified. However, no post-medieval or earlier farm buildings appear to have been situated within the footprints of the three proposed buildings which were investigated. One small sherd of Roman grey ware pottery was recovered from the trench closest to the line of the Roman road (immediately south of the site), but no archaeological features associated with a roadside settlement were identified in the trial-trenches.