The Norsey Wood Society works closely with Basildon Borough Council, the owners of Norsey Wood Nature Reserve, an ancient woodland which is also
a Site of Special Scientific Interest on the edge of Billericay in Essex, UK
Roman Period
Roman Period
It is likely that there was a Roman presence in the Wood for about 400 years, i.e. from about 75 BCE (pottery of this date found in the gravel pit areas) to about 368 CE (from a coin of the Emperor Gratian also found in a gravel pit).
Pottery (including some bits of small Samian ware), tile fragments, a smelting furnace and kilns (and possibly a hypocaust) have been found.
You will see many Sweet Chestnut trees (Castanea sativa) and this species, not being native to this country, was probably first brought in by the Romans.
