Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 992: summary

Archaeological watching briefs at Mersea Barrow, Barrow Hill Farm, East Mersea Road, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8SL: July & September 2014 and July 2016
by Donald Shimmin (with contributions from -)

Date report completed: September 2016
Location: Mersea Barrow, Barrow Hill Farm, East Mersea Road, West Mersea, Essex, CO5 8SL
Map reference(s): TM 0228 1434
File size: 11,187 kb
Project type: Archaeological watching briefs
Significance of the results: *
Keywords: Roman, tile, burial, mound, 2nd century

Summary. Archaeological watching briefs took place at Mersea Barrow in 2014 and 2016 during works to improve visitor access and amenities. No significant archaeological deposits were uncovered, although a small quantity of Roman roof-tile fragments was recovered from the modern topsoil on the eastern side of the barrow. The form of the tegulae lends support to a recent re-dating of the burial and the barrow to the mid-2nd century, rather than the later 1st century as put forward by Warren following the 1912 excavation.