Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 1246: summary

Archaeological evaluation on the former Martello Caravan Camp site, Kirby Road, Walton-on-the Naze, Essex, CO14 8QP: March 2018
by Laura Pooley and Dr Elliott Hicks (with contributions from Stephen Benfield, Lisa Gray, Ben Holloway, Sarah Carter)

Date report completed: May 2018
Location: Former Martello Caravan Camp site, Kirby Road, Walton-on-the Naze, Essex, CO14 8QP
Map reference(s): TM 25094 21953
File size: kb
Project type: Evaluation
Significance of the results:
Keywords:

Summary. An archaeological evaluation (three trial-trenches) was carried out on land at the former Martello Caravan Camp site, Kirby Road, Walton-on-the Naze, Essex in advance of the construction of four terrace houses and six detached bungalows. Previous archaeological investigations on the former Martello Caravan site have revealed a long history of activity, from the Neolithic through to the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age, with less intensive activity in the Roman and medieval periods, probably to exploit the resources of the marshland.

Evaluation revealed a ditch of Late Bronze Age or Early Iron Age date and three prehistoric features (two postholes and a pit) which were probably contemporary with the ditch. This activity is likely associated with similar prehistoric features identified nearby which were probably related to agricultural clearance and stock management.

A modern ditch and modern service were also identified.