Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 596: summary

An archaeological evaluation by trial-trenching and borehole watching brief at the Sixth Form College, North Hill, Colchester, Essex - June 2011
by Mark Baister

Date report completed: July 2011
Location: Sixth Form College, North Hill, Colchester, Essex
Map reference(s): TL 9925 2545 (c)
File size: 5,480 kb
Project type: Evaluation by trial-trenching and borehole watching brief
Significance of the results: *
Keywords: Roman, demolition, Sixth Form College

Summary. An evaluation by two trenches has identified the uppermost significant archaeological horizon of Roman date on the site of the proposed development adjacent to the ‘north site’ complex of buildings at the Sixth Form College.

The highest Roman deposits - containing fragments of building material and pottery - are demolition layers dating to the early-mid 3rd to 4th century, when a Roman building in this area was probably demolished. The Roman deposits are almost all sealed by a thick layer of late medieval or post-medieval topsoil, and are universally at a depth that should not impede further development.

The finds from the evaluation are dominated by fragments of Roman brick and roof tile, with lesser quantities of mortar, opus signinum, and pottery. This material must derive from the demolition of Roman buildings in the vicinity.

During the watching brief on three boreholes, no material of archaeological significance was uncovered.