Three small 1m² test pits were excavated by hand next to the drama block at St Helena School, within the footprint of the propsed extension. Three cut features were recorded of early Roman, probably 1st century AD, date. One ditch appeared to have held a post and may have supported a wooden fence. The type of pottery and the presence of animal bone, burnt flint, a coin, slag and Roman tile suggest domestic use similar to that identified as a result of previous excavations at Sheepen. The finds include a sherd of Arretine samian baring a potter’s stamp not recognised in Colchester before. <1>