212 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
Iceland Wharf (TQ 3743 8383). He inferred a line through
Stratford and Ilford as does the R.C.H.M. London (1928); but
even assuming the certainty of the blocks forming part of a cause-
way, without further identified points the causeway could lead
anywhere. However, if the alignment of the modern Romford
Road at the excavation is extended to the west, it diverges from
the modern line, towards the south, at a distance of 100 m. from
the centre of the intersection with Vicarage Lane/Water Lane.
The extension then crosses Stratford Broadway in front of West
Ham Town Hall and passes through the built up area to the
north of High Street, E.15, eventually crossing the River Lea at
a point 40 m. south of the southernmost extremity of Iceland
Wharf (TQ 3745 8377). This would appear to offer some
confirmation of Smith's report.
It is difficult, however, to suggest a route west from the Lea
and the above adds no light to the controversy between an align-
ment from Old Ford to Holborn and the direct line to Aldgate.
It is true that the latter would require a slight change of direction
after crossing the river and Smith seems inclined not to favour it
for this reason; either route is attested by the burials which he
reports. It is a personal opinion that the change of line should
be sought and that it is very close to the river crossing. Geology
has no bearing on this question since the well drained gravels
are found in Stepney and Poplar to the south of the route between
Old Ford and Aldgate. It is notable that the first section of
Whitechapel Road from Aldgate eastwards trends slightly to the
north. If this line is continued it reaches the Romford Road to
Old Ford alignment immediately west of the supposed ford.
Reference also exists (Clarke 1870) to a ford or causeway at
TQ 3664 8658 which is some distance to the north. It must be
concluded that this is the crossing, over the river, of another
Roman road which is well known between Chigwell and Dunmow
and whose route into the modern built-up area of Greater London
is as little known as that from Colchester.
It is fortunate from the archaeological point of view that the
section of alignment hypothesised between the Broadway, Strat-
ford and the line of the North Woolwich railway is scheduled for
redevelopment in the near future and it may be possible, as this
work goes on, to obtain definite confirmation for this important
Roman route.
Summary
The cutting, in the course of building operations, of a section
across Romford Road, Stratford, London, E.15, exposed a thick,
flint pebble roadbed with side ditches. Although no direct dating
evidence is available this would appear to be an alignment of the
London to Colchester Roman road. Its direction suggests a cross-
ing of the River Lea at Iceland Wharf, Old Ford.