Archaeologists have been unearthing part of Maldon’s ancient heritage at a pub site.

As part of its planning permission to take over the Rose and Crown, JD Wetherspoon has been obliged to carry out archaeological work at the Butt Lane site.

The most impressive find has been a pot, believed to date back to the 14th century, plus a second pot and pieces of similar pots.

The site is also littered with oyster shells, which, unlike today, were a big part of people’s diet in years gone by.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “The main building has also shown to have a Medieval timber structure, which again is making things complex for us.

“The [refurbishment] scheme has been adjusted slightly to avoid any works affecting the frame, which again we await official sign off for.

“The main reason for the archaeology was that historic maps of Maldon show the pub to be in the centre of the old village.

“It has obviously got bigger over time and we now appear to be at one end.

“There have been other works in the area all of which had the same archaeology request and finds were made.

“This work has taken approximately seven weeks, and been over seen by our own main contractor.”

Archaeologists have found evidence of old structures on the site, usually indicated by darker areas of soil which indicate old timber posts that have since decayed.