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Essex HER

Name:	Springfield Lyons
SMR Number:	5791
Type of record:	Monument

Grid Reference:	TL 733 082
Map Sheet:	TL70NW
Parish:	SPRINGFIELD, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX

Summary

During excavation of Late Bronze Age enclosure (see 5788 for this) in 1981, a number of Early Saxon burials were located. Subsequent excavation revealed a substantial Early Saxon cemetery and late Saxon settlement.

Full description

During excavation of Late Bronze Age enclosure (see 5788 for this) in 1981, a number of Early Saxon burials were located. Subsequent excavations from 1981-89 revealed an early Saxon mixed cremation-inhumation cemetery of 143 cremations and 111 definite and a further 28 possible inhumations. Saxon buildings were also discovered. These were of several phases and used various construction techniques including earth-fast posts, post-in-trench and ground-beam forms. <1> <2> <5> <6> Some of the inhumations had evidence for marker posts and a small number of burials (both inhmations and cremations) were within a shallow ring ditches. It seems that the silted up enclosure ditch served to demarcate the cemetery's edge to the north. Bones generally did not survive (a few teeth were present) but some burials contained grave goods, including: glass and amber necklaces, brooches, belt fittings, knives, spearheads, shield bosses, bronze bound buckets and pots. Textile and wood impression were identified in the corroded metal. The grave goods date the cemetery to the late C5 - end of C6. A number of cremations had pyre goods including melted glass beads, tweezers and melted venel glass. There was one horse head burial. <5> <6>.

Several constructional phases for the settlement were indentified. Interpretations for the structures indicate a farm complex with outbuildings with the small amount of pottery recovered from them and associated pits indicating a C10-C12 date. Some structures, however, may be earlier possibly associated with the cemetery. <5> <6> <7> One of the ground beam buildings apparently had 2 storeys or a tower. The excavation of the Anglo- Saxon settlement is 'of considerable importance'. Few settlements of this period have been extensively excavated, few cemeteries have been associated with settlements. The building traditions are of interest, possibly indicating something more than a simple farmstead, the ground beam building could have a religious function and has been interpreted as a church. <8> Other refs: <10><11><12>

Site Assessment = Important for excavation of cemetery and settlement-few settlements of the period have been extensively excavated. Building traditions of interest <4>

AP <9>

Further excavations in advance of development has taken place. The Early Saxon cemetery did not extend to the north (into Plot K). No Late Saxon settlement features were recorded, but two parallel north-south aligned ditches crossed the site. One had been previously excavated within the Springfield Lyons enclosure site and the other may have extended northward as the ditch found in Plots G and H c.110m to the north (previously thought to be LBA). <15>

<1> Hedges, JD and Buckley, DG in Priddy, DA, 1982, Excavations in Essex, 1981, Vol 14, p142 (DESC TEXT). SEX19637.

<2> Hedges, JD and Buckley, DG in Priddy, DA, 1983, Excavations in Essex, 1982, Vol 15, p168 (DESC TEXT). SEX19646.

<3> Priddy, DA, 1986, Excavations in Essex 1983-4, p134, Buckley, DG (DESC TEXT). SEX19647.

<3> Priddy, DA, 1986, Excavations in Essex 1983-4, Vol 16, p134 (DESC TEXT). SEX19647.

<4> Buckley, DG, 1985, Springfield Lyons Excavations-General Background (EXCAV REPORT). SEX19648.

<5> Buckley, DG and Hedges, JD, 1987, The Bronze Age and Saxon Settlements at Springfield Lyons, Interim Report, ECC Occ. Paper No 5 (DESC TEXT). SEX19654.

<6> unknown, unknown, Springfield Lyons: The Saxon Volume, 1st draft (EXCAV REPORT). SEX19655.

<7> Buckley, D and Tyler, S, 1987, Springfield Lyons Excavation: The Anglo-Saxon Periods, vol 22 no 1 p3-6 (DESC TEXT). SEX19656.

<7> Tyler, S and Major, H, 1987, The Early Anglo-Saxon cemetery and later Saxon settlement at Springfield Lyons, Essex, vol 22 no 1 p3-6 (DESC TEXT). SEX68888.

<8> Rodwell, Warwick J, 1993, The Origins and Early Development of Witham (DESC TEXT). SEX19657.

<9> unknown, 1992, 410/3 (AP). SEX52279.

<10> unknown, 1985, Chelmer-Blackwater Valley Aerial Survey Project 1985 (DESC TEXT). SEX54165.

<11> ECC, 1981 ?, Springfield Chelmer Valley Project Progress Report (DESC TEXT). SEX54167.

<12> Hedges, John D, 1981 ?, Archaeological Potential of the Springfield Development Area (DESC TEXT). SEX54168.

<13> Tyler, Sue, 1987, unknown (Photograph). SEX57850.

<14> Tyler, S and Major, H, 1987, The Early Anglo-Saxon cemetery and later Saxon settlement at Springfield Lyons, Essex (DESC TEXT). SEX68888.

<15> Ennis, T, 2012, Plot K, Chelmsford Business Park, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex (DESC TEXT). SEX70872.

Monument Types

BUILDING (late Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
CEMETERY (early Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
CHURCH (late Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
CREMATION (early Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
INHUMATION (early Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
RING DITCH (early Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
SETTLEMENT (late Saxon, Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)

Associated Finds

BROOCH (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
BUCKET (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
CREMATION (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
KNIFE (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
NECKLACE (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
NECKLACE (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
SHIELD (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
SPEAR (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
STRAP FITTING (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
VESSEL (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)
VESSEL (Early Medieval - 410 AD to 1065 AD)

Associated Events

SALV EXCAV by Hedges, JD and Buckley, DG, 1981-1986 (Ref: ?)
SALV EXCAV by Buckley, DG, (Ref: ?)

Protected Status

Historic Environment Character Zone: Chelmsford 2.14
Historic Environment Character Area: Chelmsford 2
Historic Environment Character Zone: Chelmsford 2.15

Sources and further reading

<1>	DESC TEXT: Hedges, JD and Buckley, DG in Priddy, DA. 1982. Excavations in Essex, 1981. Vol 14, p142.
<2>	DESC TEXT: Hedges, JD and Buckley, DG in Priddy, DA. 1983. Excavations in Essex, 1982. Vol 15, p168.
<3>	DESC TEXT: Priddy, DA. 1986. Excavations in Essex 1983-4. p134, Buckley, DG.
<4>	EXCAV REPORT: Buckley, DG. 1985. Springfield Lyons Excavations-General Background.
<5>	DESC TEXT: Buckley, DG and Hedges, JD. 1987. The Bronze Age and Saxon Settlements at Springfield Lyons, Interim Report. ECC Occ. Paper No 5.
<6>	EXCAV REPORT: unknown. unknown. Springfield Lyons: The Saxon Volume. 1st draft.
<7>	DESC TEXT: Buckley, D and Tyler, S. 1987. Springfield Lyons Excavation: The Anglo-Saxon Periods. vol 22 no 1 p3-6.
<7>	DESC TEXT: Tyler, S and Major, H. 1987. The Early Anglo-Saxon cemetery and later Saxon settlement at Springfield Lyons, Essex. vol 22 no 1 p3-6.
<8>	DESC TEXT: Rodwell, Warwick J. 1993. The Origins and Early Development of Witham.
<9>	AP: unknown. 1992. 410/3.
<10>	DESC TEXT: unknown. 1985. Chelmer-Blackwater Valley Aerial Survey Project 1985.
<11>	DESC TEXT: ECC. 1981 ?. Springfield Chelmer Valley Project Progress Report.
<12>	DESC TEXT: Hedges, John D. 1981 ?. Archaeological Potential of the Springfield Development Area.
<13>	Photograph: Tyler, Sue. 1987. unknown.
<14>	DESC TEXT: Tyler, S and Major, H. 1987. The Early Anglo-Saxon cemetery and later Saxon settlement at Springfield Lyons, Essex.
<15>	DESC TEXT: Ennis, T. 2012. Plot K, Chelmsford Business Park, Springfield, Chelmsford, Essex.

Related records

5783	Part of: Springfield Cursus-Eastern End (Find Spot)
5782	Part of: Springfield Cursus-West Terminal (Find Spot)
5780	Part of: Springfield Cursus-West Terminal (Monument)
5781	Part of: Springfield Cursus-West Terminal (Monument)
48077	Related to: Plot K, Chelmsford Business Park, Springfield (Monument)

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Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council
Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council	Springfield Lyons Circular cropmark enclosure, c60m in diameter © Essex County Council