Site Event/Activity record ECC1603 - Waterlogged deposits at Cattle Market, Middleborough, Colchester, 1956?

Location

Location Cattle Market, Middleborough, Colchester
Grid reference TL 99256 25544 (point)
Map sheet TL92NE
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Technique(s)

Organisation

Calver, H. C. (Mr)

Date

1956?

Map

Description

When a water main was cut west of the Cattle Market (Middleborough) a number of small upright posts (such as might retain the side of a creek or a staithe) were observed. Pieces of leather were found in waterlogged deposits, including parts of two sandals, and clippings of leather from a 'cobblers workshop'. In the black soil, not far below the surface there was frequently a layer of yellow soil and gravel. The observation was made by Mr Calver but is undated. A list of finds is provided by Hull <1> Another note by Hull records that trench was cut in 1956 running from Kings Meadow along Causton Road over the bridge to the cattle market and the waterworks 'In crossing the allotments the trench was only about 4ft deep and was cut in an old marsh or river-bed. The soil was peaty black mud, with an irregular stratum of gravel over it in places. From the peat came the remains of two leather sandals, the first we have ever had in Colchester, and scraps of others, with leather clippings from a cobblers shop'.<2>

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> Unpublished document: Hull, M. Rex. Roman Colchester II: Extramural and Walls. II. 'Cattle Market'.
  • <2> Unpublished document: Hull, M. Rex. Roman Colchester II: Extramural and Walls. II. 'North'.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Record last edited

Feb 10 2016 12:10PM

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