Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 1689: summary

Archaeological strip, map and record excavation at Colchester Northern Gateway (South) Phase 2, on land south of Axial Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JF:April-May 2021
by Laura Pooley (with contributions from Lisa Gray & Dr Matthew Loughton)

Date report completed: July 2021
Location: Colchester Northern Gateway (South), on land south of Axial Way, Colchester, Essex, CO4 5JF
Map reference(s): TM 0024 2877 (centre)
File size: 3410 kb
Project type: Excavation
Significance of the results:
Keywords: Northern Gateway (South) Phase 2

Summary. An archaeological strip, map and record excavation was carried out at Colchester Northern Gateway (South), land south of Axial Way, Colchester, Essex during groundworks as part of Phase 2 of the development. Archaeological investigations in this area of northern Colchester since 2001 have revealed a significant concentration of charcoal-rich pits dating from the Early Iron Age through to the post-medieval period, with many likely associated with charcoal production. Archaeological evaluation along with excavations as part of Phase 1 and 1a of the current project, have previously uncovered evidence for charcoal-rich pits, along with post medieval, modern and undated features on the development site Phase 2 excavations at Colchester Northern Gateway (South) revealed 23 features: ten modern features, including two pits with a charcoal-rich fill, drainage ditches, pits and postholes; eight undated pits/postholes; and five undated pits/tree-throws.