A HISTORY OF ESSEX of the bank, and correspondingly lessened in the depth of the fosse, while in some parts the rampart has been levelled. Its complete circuit was doubtlessly much longer, but about 1,100 yards remain. Though numerous finds of early pottery and some bronze implements have been made within the area enclosed by the outer } / f*******^ "* <: tt t " /* "?N Xx % V '/ %fej^ ^% >>- %
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X ^<W' Chufth. entrenchment there is no positive evidence as to its date. Mr. J. Horace Round has shown that the parish takes its name from the old French word Plaisseis or P/aisseiz, signifying an enclosure. 1 This it would seem cannot but refer to the rampart and ditch surrounding the village. From it's general appearance it seems probable that the work was one of British origin. 2 The great castle mound, with its appendant court on the south, is 1 Essex Arch. Trans, n.s. v. 83-6. 2 The Rev. E. A. Downman, who possesses probably an unequalled acquaintance with the earth- works of England, is inclined to think the outer works of the same date as the castle mound and court. 298
