Trial-trenched evaluation (26 trenches) identified the presence of remains at three locations within the 5.38ha development area. Two (Areas A and B) were subsequently investigated in open excavation areas and the third monitored during its topsoil strip for the creation of a construction works compound.<1>
A single worked flint, a fragmented but finely made fabricator of probable Late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age date, was recovered from the surface of the topsoil approximately 3m east of trial trench 8. Although technically a spot find, due to this proximity to trench 8, it was recorded under context [8/001]. These types of tools have been interpreted as ‘strike-a-lights’, but they may in fact have served a number of functions.
The most significant discovery was that of a wide scatter of 30 pits that exhibited in situ burning and charcoal-rich fills. Only two contained datable artefacts -substantial portions of jars of 1st century AD date. Two different charcoal taxa samples from one undated pit were radiocarbon dated, producing results of Cal. 50 BC-AD 65 and 170 BC-AD 5. Broad contemporaneity with the pottery-dated examples is probable, and a broadly 1st century AD date straddling the Roman conquest likely for the pit group as a whole. These pits were scattered across the excavation and monitoring areas, with no patterning or associated remains evident. The function of these ‘fire pits’ remains unclear. They appear to be scattered across the site, with examples in both area excavations, Trench 3 and the monitored compound area. In addition, there is a notable absence of associated features such as boundaries or structural remains. It is possible that any associated activity may well have had a shallow impact and has since been lost to the plough.

Similar burnt pits were previously recorded to the south of the A12 on the route of the Axial Way (see MCC9326 and MCC9327).<2> Further pits were encountered during the consturction of the Northern Approach Road in 2013 (MCC10064) and during the evaluation of the grounds of Severalls Hospital in 2016 (MCC10062 and MCC10063).<3> One, from the Severalls evaluation, produced a radiocarbon date within the 2nd century BC. It is conjectured that these were part of the same extensive scatter of such features and that collectively they extend across an area in excess of 70ha. Their function is undetermined, but firepits/hearth at casual encampments or some heathland exploitation activity is suggested.