246 THE ESSEX NATURALIST
Roman Villa at Abridge
By Laurence S. Harley
Mr F. R. Clark of Woodford Bridge has reported that a
survey of known Roman finds in his area led to an account of
the discovery, over a century ago, of a lead ossuary and bronze
vase found "by a spring leading to the River Roding, near
Abridge". These were exhibited to the Society of Antiquaries
in 1863, but subsequently appear to have been lost.
Mr Clark, Mr Brooks and their group made a systematic
study of the Abridge area and after a year's search (September,
1966 to September, 1967) narrowed the possible site to Hill's
Farm, which is one mile north-east of Abridge village. Their first
exploratory trench led to the discovery of 70 sherds of Roman
pottery at about two feet from the surface. Subsequently, with
the active interest and assistance of the farm owner, Mr Padfield,
some eleven trenches were opened, revealing coins of c. 350 A.D.
and floors of a villa. These floors have now been covered and
backfilled, in readiness for more thorough site excavation in
1969.
Field plans, exploratory section details and finds have been
deposited in the Passmore Edwards Museum.