Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 100: summary

An archaeological evaluation at 9-11 Hythe Quay, Colchester, Essex: October 2000
by Brooks, H; Crossan, C

Date report completed: 31/10/2000
Location: The Hythe, Colchester, Essex
Map reference(s): TM0146324627
File size: 5080 kb
Project type: Evaluation
Significance of the results: *
Keywords: Roman pottery, ceramic building materials, post-medieval pottery, medieval pottery, opus signinum

Summary. The site lies on the frontage of the Hythe, the medieval port of Colchester. Two 7m-long evaluation trenches were cut. Roman levels were revealed in both trenches, at 0.82m below present site level in the west trench (T1) and at 0.6m below site in the east trench (T2). In the case of T2, there was evidence of 15th- or 16th-century activity cutting the Roman levels. The Roman levels consisted of dumped material, perhaps intended to raise ground level above potentially wet ground. There were finds of Roman pottery and brick, and of post-medieval pottery and tile. There was one possible post-medieval wall line, and a gravelly band which was perhaps a yard surface. There were a number of post-medieval and modern pots and drains.