282 REMAINS OF A SUPPOSED PILE-DWELLING. 



required to light a fire in the centre of the bed of an artificial 

 pool, or, even if he did so, why he should burn in it a large 

 quantity of flints and other stones. Moreover, the fact that the 

 undisturbed sandy clay on which the deposit rests shows no 

 sign of the action of fire is strong evidence that the burning did 

 not take place in situ ; while the extent of the deposit (even if no 

 greater than is now visible) is also against the idea that it is 

 merely an ancient domestic hearth. 



The only suggestion I am able to offer in explanation of the 

 presence of the deposit is that, over the spot where we find it 

 (that is to say, about the centre of the pool), there was once a 

 pile-dwelling which, through some misfortune, was destroyed by 

 fire, and that, as it burned, the flints and other stones which 

 formed the floor fell to the bottom of the pool, together with the 

 ashes and other remains of the dwelling. The spot is just such 

 a one as would be chosen as a dwelling place by Early Man, for 

 it is well concealed, and in former days the surrounding country 

 was even more densely wooded (as the name of the parish 

 implies) than it is now. 



The theory I advance, though admittedly in need of further 

 support, is plausible at the least, and may serve till a better is 

 forthcoming, Since I first discovered the deposit, I have visited 

 it in company with I\Ir. Mothersole, of Chelmsford, who had no 

 better suggestion to make. The only means of putting the 

 theory to the test, and of ascertaining definitely the origin and 

 extent of the deposit is, of course, to excavate its site by means 

 of the spade. If this were done, fragments of pottery or other 

 objects of human handiwork, sufficient to afford evidence as to 

 its date and origin, would probably be brought to light. It 

 seems very desirable that such investigation should be made. 

 Who will undertake it ? 



