Brickkiln Wood, Offley, North Hertfordshire: Analytical Earthwork Survey
Author(s): Rebecca Pullen, David McOmish
Between March and April 2010, English Heritage’s Archaeological Survey and Investigation team (Cambridge), undertook a detailed analytical earthwork survey within Brickkiln Wood, near Cockernhoe, North Hertfordshire. The work was undertaken to advance wider understanding of the development and vulnerability of the historic environment in this area. The site formerly supported Cockernhoe Brickworks, a local clay extraction and brickmaking enterprise in the 19th century; associated clay pits can be seen surviving well on both sides of Brick Kiln Lane. In 2007, archaeological fieldwork across surrounding land identified that clay extraction may also have been taking place here during the Romano-British period. Investigation by English Heritage revealed that the woodland preserves a complex multi-period landscape. The early elements, tentatively allocated to the Late Iron Age/Romano-British period, include a large sub-rectangular enclosure, a small complex consisting of a rectangular platform and sunken features, along with possible shallow extraction hollows. Surviving traces of cultivation ridges and furlong boundaries were also recorded. Overlying this is a complex of woodland banks and boundaries, many of which form part of the current woodland management scheme, and are interrupted by 19th-century clay pits at the north-east end of the site.
- Report Number:
- 62/2010
- Series:
- Research Department Reports
- Pages:
- 67
- Keywords:
- Analytical Landscape Survey
