CRHnews - Chelmer Villagers dig in to save Bronze Age paradise

Chelmsford care home plans could lead to 'exciting excavations' of Anglo-Saxon cemetery

By ConorGogarty | Essex Live / Posted: February 01, 2017

A care home could be built on historic land off Chelmer Village Way

Plans for a new Chelmsford care home could see exciting excavations of Anglo-Saxon graves, says a local historian.

Television researcher Alex Marshall revealed the proposed 70-bed facility on land north of Chelmer Village Way could lead to significant historical findings.

It would be built on what was the site of a cemetery between 400 and 500 AD, while it would also involve work on the nearby Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure, an ancient circular ditch.

Landspring Limited's plans were submitted to Chelmsford City Council on December 19, after they had a similar application rejected in November following a community backlash over potential traffic problems.

According to Mr Marshall, over 250 cremations and burials have been found on the land, as well as knives, necklaces, rings and a horse's head believed to have been sacrificed by pagans.

READ MORE: New Chelmsford care home could be given green light despite plans being scrapped last month

He also praised the plans for the enclosure, which would see trees removed and trimmed to "enhance the great crested newt habitat"; litter cleared away; and an information board put up.

Mr Marshall said: "Any redevelopment in the Springfield area is exciting, as there was a lot of historic activity there.

"Based on what I have read in an archaeological report, there is a chance of further graves.

"Saying that, a new [Buttercup Montessori] nursery has just finished being built nearby, and nothing was found.

"You can never say never though, considering they found that fantastic Tudor oven at the Beaulieu development."

In the late Anglo-Saxon period, the site was adapted into a settlement including timber buildings, halls and possibly a tower.

Mr Marshall believes few locals are aware of the "wonderful" Springfield Lyons Bronze Age Enclosure.

"Some rare artefacts from there are currently in the British Museum, but, from what I know, hardly anyone in Chelmsford even knows the enclosure's there.The plan seems to be quite considerate of the enclosure. I was expecting them to build it slap-bang on top of it.

"Currently the entrance to it is very overgrown and the ditch itself strewn with litter, so if the area is cleaned up and ecologically improved, that can only be a good thing."

The enclosure was excavated between 1981 and 1991, after being identified as a cropmark from a plane.

"The dig established that the enclosure was a major settlement, probably used as a home for a local chief .It consisted of three roundhouses, including a central roundhouse, and was fortified with considerable ramparts. During this period, the enclosure would have had a breathtaking view across the River Chelmer, allowing the chief to oversee the events of the Chelmer Valley.

"The Romans were also there, as Roman tiles and pottery have been recovered from the site."

Rare Bronze Age clay mould fragments used for making swords have been recovered from the enclosure, which are currently housed in the British Museum.

The land was also used during the Iron Age and even World War II.

Mr Marshall said: "A sword and scabbard have been recovered from the enclosure from the Iron Age.

The part two-storey and part three-storey care home would include a foyer, cafe, bistro, office, private dining room, gym, cinema and hair salon or spa for residents.

Read more at http://www.essexlive.news/chelmsford-care-home-plans-could-lead-to-exciting-excavations-of-anglo-saxon-cemetery/story-30105123-detail/story.html#EytYGyKf5HSpbRw9.99

Exclusive CRHnews update from Rose Moore:

"I heard earlier today that the planning application has been REFUSED, which - after 15 months of submission, withdrawal, re-submission and consultation - has come as a great relief.

"Your film is as valuable now as it was on Wednesday; promoting this area can only do good! I hope now that Essex Wildlife Trust will partner with us (local residents) and CCC to develop a 'Living Landscapes' community project.

"There MAY yet be an appeal by the developers but, if that comes to pass, we hope that the Planning Inspectorate will agree that this is unique, historic area, deserving of so much more than a car park. I'll keep in touch!"

* Should Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council consider re-creating the Bronze Age enclosure at Springfield Lyons as was done here http://www.historyextra.com/neolithic as a tourist and study centre?

* If you have a heritage promotion, if no one else can produce a You Tube video, and if you can find us, you can hire the CRH-Team - for free!

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