An archaeological excavation was carried out as specified in the project brief and WSI. The aims were to record any archaeological remains due to be destroyed by the proposed development, and specifically to excavate a full section across the large ditch identified in 2001. An area measuring 180 square metres was stripped by a mechanical excavator through layers of modern topsoil (L1, c 0.35-0.5), occasionally modern rubble in-fill (L2, c 0.1-0.15m thick) and buried topsoil (L3, c 0.2m thick) into a thick layer of cover loam (L4). An archaeological excavation was carried out on land north of 35-40 Hanover Place, Abbey Lane, Saffron Walden, Essex in advance of groundworks for the construction of a new dwelling. Located between the Audley End Estate and a small stream, archaeological evaluation on the site in 2001 had previously revealed one side of a large post-medieval ditch along with three postholes, two pits and two gullies/ditches which produced material of 17th/18th century date. One of the aims of the current project was to excavate a complete section across the width of the large post-medieval ditch identified in 2001. Excavation at the site has, however, proved that the ditch is in fact a series of infill layers, c 2m thick, dating from the late 17th to the 18th centuries. To the west of the projected edge of these infill layers was another possible ditch feature, however this feature could potentially also be a soil layer within the infill. Modern pits, postholes and service trenches were the only other features present on the site.