This desk-based assessment of the archaeological remains in and around a parcel of NHS Estates land west of the District General Hospital, Colchester was undertaken in May 2000. The area investigated covers approximately 13 hectares, and is located to the north of the modern town centre of Colchester, centred on grid reference (NGR) TL 9920 2750. The evaluation trenches demonstrated that the archaeological remains in this area are directly below the plough soil or topsoil, a depth of some 300-320mm below the modern ground surface. Therefore, any activity which cuts below this plough soil horizon will affect archaeological remains. Since all modern construction work begins with a top soil strip, it will undoubtedly have an impact on this site. However, there are areas where the archaeological remains are more deeply buried – nearer to the General Hospital the features are covered by up to 680mm of top soil and modern build-up. <1>