Site Event/Activity record ECC2323 - Two spearheads from Butt Road Sand Pit, Colchester, 1857

Location

Location Butt Road, Colchester
Grid reference TL 9927 2481 (point)
Map sheet TL92SE
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Technique(s)

Organisation

Wire, William (Mr)

Date

1857

Map

Description

During sand quarrying along the western side of Butt Road in the mid 19th century, William Wire observed that a 'Saxon burial ground' was uncovered, although he provides no evidence to clarify whether he was mistaking Roman for Saxon graves, however he did sketch two spearheads from the sand pits one of which is described as having a 'rib running up the centre', a feature found on Germanic spear types of the 5th & 6th century. Two Iron Knives (one of possible 7th century date) and arrowheads were mentioned.<1>

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Monograph: Crummy, Philip. 1981. CAR 1: Aspects of Anglo-Saxon and Norman Colchester. 1. p12.

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

  • Anglo Saxon cemetery, Butt Road Sandpit (Monument)
  • Anglo-Saxon? finds, Butt Road Sandpit, Colchester (Find Spot)

Record last edited

Mar 18 2016 9:07AM

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