Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 1167: summary

Archaeological evaluation at Alderman Blaxill County Secondary School, Paxman Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO2 9DQ: September 2017
by Dr Elliott Hicks (with contributions from Stephen Benfield, Lisa Gray MSc MA ACIfA Archaeobotanist)

Date report completed: October 2017
Location: Alderman Blaxill County Secondary School, Paxman Avenue, Colchester, Essex, CO2 9DQ
Map reference(s): TL 9763 2324 (c)
File size: 6,396 kb
Project type: Archaeological evaluation
Significance of the results: *
Keywords: gravel surface/natural gravel, Roman, road, ditches, tree-throw holes

Summary. An archaeological evaluation (consisting of five trial-trenches) was carried out at the Alderman Blaxill County Secondary School, Paxman Avenue, Colchester, Essex in advance of the demolition of the existing school and erection of a new secondary school with associated works. The evaluation uncovered a gravel surface which may represent the Gosbecks-Colchester Roman road. In addition, the evaluation revealed eight undated features, ie three ditches, three tree-throw holes and a possible linear/natural feature.