NHER 17156 (Monument record) - Post medieval building (site of)

8 April 1981.
Large block of mortared flint excavated by E. Rose (NAU) and S. Ashley (NAU), having been found by the owner on 1 April.
Massive structure of flint and mortar, no bricks.
Mortar sandy.
Top of block levelled when wet.
Sides abrupt and corners right angled, except for north side which was ragged.
Section at southeast corner exposed 85 x 98 cm.
Thickness (depth) 41 cm.
Total dimensions (located by trial trenches and probing), 2.48 m x 1.64 m.
Structure, and surrounding subsoil, covered by even layer of topsoil 26 cm thick containing late 19th and early 20th century pottery.
Apparently soil dumped from elsewhere.
No construction pit visible.
Subsoil at sides of structure consisted of sandy soil mixed with mortar.
Large masses of flints, many tiles and one burnt brick apparently of early 19th century type.
Below structure was waterlogged clay.
Amongst the above debris was found a bellarmine-type sherd (Context 1).
A 16th century internally green glazed pipkin sherd with foot was found lying on surface of freshly turned pasture nearby (Context 2).
No explanation can be suggested for such a massive structure.
It appears to be too early in date for a wartime construction.
There are no surface markings suggesting an engine bed.