Monument record SLY 006 - Cropmark of a possible settlment site and rectilinear field system

Large complex of rectilinear field systems, with trackway, one part running approximately N-S and another joining it to the E. Also see SLY 005, 015, 016 (ring ditches) and 009 adjoining same field system. Appears in field to S of road also (S1)(S2)(S3).
Also Rom (brooch).
A Later Prehistoric or Roman field system and possible settlement site are visible as cropmarks on aerial photographs, centred on TM 22523622 in Shotley parish. The field system covers an area of 0.92 km2 and consists of rectilinear ditched fields linked by double-ditched trackways. The field boundaries are aligned roughly north-south and east-west with the rectilinear fields varying in size from roughly 100m by 65m up to 160m by 120m. A substantial trackway is visible running from TM 22523622 in an easterly direction for 455m where it curves southwards, continuing for another 470m before it terminates at TM 22913593. At the southern end of this trackway, centred on TM 22973608, a number of much smaller rectilinear enclosures are visible attached to the trackway. These enclosures may represent an area of settlement within the field system and are visible continuing to the south of the road. The field system is also visible to the west of the B1456 where another substantial double-ditched trackway is visible running north to south, centred on TM 22103607. Another probable settlement site (SLY 004) is aligned on this trackway. Two double-ditched trackways are visible to the north of the area, one running east-west and one running north-south. They join at a T-junction centred on TM 22243666. Linear field boundaries are also visible to the south-west of these trackways. The appearance of the field system suggests that it is likely to be of Later Prehistoric or Roman date. (S1) (S3) (S5-S16)

Cropmarks of a continuation of the previously mapped trackway were visible on further aerial photographs. The newly mapped section of trackway starts at TM 2187 3620 and continues 410m north-west to TM 2147 3630 where the ditches are no longer visible. Other cropmarks show a continuation of the field system identified by the earlier mapping project. The enclosures and field boundaries are on a similar alignment as the other cropmarks, although they are not as extensive. Helen Saunders (Essex County Council), March 2015. (S17-S19)