The archaeological evaluation was undertaken following the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standard and guidance for field evaluation (2020a), and in accordance with the WA fieldwork manual (2021). The fieldwork programme was followed by an assessment of the data as set out in the Standard and guidance for field evaluation (CIfA 2020a) and the Standard and guidance for the collection, documentation, conservation and research of archaeological materials (CIfA 2020b). Layers of made ground, of modern date, were recorded overlying colluvial and possibly alluvial layers. Two pits were recorded, cutting the natural deposits. One of these contained material to suggest that it was of modern date. The site is bounded by the railway lines of the former London, Tilbury and Southend Railway (which still form part of the national rail network), which opened in 1854. Historic cartographic sources demonstrate that the area within which the site lies remained undeveloped during the late 19th century and contained several open drains or watercourses leading to the river Roding to the east. In the early 20th century, a series of additional lines or sidings were constructed encroaching into the area now occupied by Hathaway Crescent and from the middle of that century the housing that now surrounds the site was constructed. It appears most likely that the deposits overlying the colluvial material resulted from these developments to the site.
Andrew A S Newton (Sun,) studied this question.