An archaeological dig in London has unearthed new information about the history of Ongar and Abridge.
Part of a Roman road has been discovered in Leyton and it is strongly believed it is linked to roads previously found in the Chipping Ongar area confirming theories that it played a major part in Roman life.
The discovery was made by Pre-Construct Archaeology while it was carrying out an archaeological survey as part of a planning application being submitted by the John Laing Partnership.
Samples of the short stretch of road which has been discovered are now being tested to see how old it is to confirm it is of Roman origin but project manager for Pre-Construct Archaeology, Peter Moore, is convinced it is.
He said: 'The road is cambered so it is higher in the centre with ditches on either side for drainage which are trademarks of Roman Roads. Everything points to this road leading to Chipping Ongar or very near to it and we believe this would have been a B road used to get things to and from the countryside into London.'
District Museum Officer for Epping Forest District Council Museum Services, Tony O'Connor, said: 'This discovery is another piece of the jigsaw in Ongar's history. We already know Abridge was an important communications hub in Roman times and there was a posting house nearby which was used as a stop point by many travellers.'
Published Monday July 19, 2004
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