The area between TL 961246 and 964232 is scheduled and comprises an upstanding rampart and ditch. The extension to the north, to the Colne River is not extant but is a virtually certain line, that to the south, partially enclosing the settlement area at Gosbecks, is a cropmark only visible on APs. A possible continuation is visible as a soil mark south of Roman River on McMaster APs.<1><2> Grymes Dyke was added as the outer perimeter of the dyke system. The scheduled section runs from the hospital to Stanway Green where it kinks to the west and continues south to Roman River. For the greater part it is a well wooded bank and ditch but is coming under pressure at various points.<3>

Section dug in 1977 showed a bank of sand and gravel with evidence of a timber revetment on the west face. A coin at the base of Germanicus or Claudius dates the construction of this section to AD 37-43. Under the ramparts were found pits with pottery 10 BC to AD 25. The ditch here is 9m wide.<1><6> The section had mostly been removed by mistake by the developers.<6> Photos in Essex HER.<7><8> This source suggests the dyke was added after the Roman conquest.<9> Other refs.<10><11><12>

Site Assessment = Sketch in the Essex HER shows land use, etc., on and adjoining the monument. A point at TL 958224 is the subject of a damage report. More than any of the other dykes, Gryme's Dyke needs attention with regard to the extent of the scheduled area and notification of owners as there is much encroachment. There seems no reason for the break in the scheduling just south of Stanway Green.<3><4> A gap of 10-12 feet was created along a length of the Dyke by workmen working for Broseley Estates - without provision for proper excavation.<5> The northern section of this dyke, north of Maldon Road, at present forms the boundary to Hoveringhams mineral permission areas in Stanway. A pipeline