Archaeological excavation was undertaken in advance of residential development to the north-west of Kelvedon, where previous trial trenching had indicated remains of prehistoric, Roman and possible Anglo-Saxon activity. Three excavation areas (A-C), covering approximately 1.3ha in total, were investigated. The earliest remains consisted of a small number of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age pits, but the first evidence for sustained activity dated to the Middle Iron Age and consisted of a C-shaped enclosure and several pit groups found in the westernmost excavation area (Area B). The most significant remains, however, were of Roman date and were concentrated in the eastern part of the development area (Area A), consisting of a complex of small conjoined rectilinear enclosures/paddocks. Discrete features were relatively scarce and no definite structures were identified but the fills of the enclosure ditches produced relatively substantial finds assemblages. The pottery assemblage is largely of 2nd to 3rd century date and initial analyses suggests that industrial type activity was being undertaken at the site, with relatively large quantities of slag and some briquetage coming from some of the enclosure ditches. The most notable feature, however, was a well/waterhole, which had been backfilled with extremely finds rich deposits which yielded a very large assemblage of pottery and ceramic building material which seems likely to derive from a nearby, relatively affluent, settlement. These remains represent the first evidence for significant Roman activity to the north of Kelvedon Roman town (Canonium) and the contemporary London to Colchester road, and further analysis of the site should provide important insights into activity in the hinterland of the town.