A trial trenched archaeological evaluation was carried out on the site of a proposed new development rear of the existing premises at 36a North Hill, Colchester (CBC planning application F/COL/00/0532). A single trench 4.6m long trial trench was progressively stripped by a mechanical digger to the level of significant archaeological deposits, after which the lower levels were worked by hand. <1> Removal of Layers 21 and 20 revealed a tessellated pavement cut by a channel, which was thinly littered with oyster shells and occasional animal bones, forming a compacted deposit adhering to its surface (1.1m below the current ground surface). The pavement was cut by a channel, the date of which was unclear; although the remaining top fill was clearly post-medieval, the construction itself could have been earlier. It’s position and the seemingly plentiful supply of good quality Roman building material used in its construction tends to suggest perhaps late Roman or immediately post-Roman date. The deposits over the Roman material suggest the abandonment of the site, and the gradual accumulation of soil in medieval and post-medieval times. Brick culverts were found which bear witness to a higher level of activity in the 19th century, perhaps associated with the brewery which existed at this time.