In 1808 Roman remains were observed during the construction of a reservoir at the bottom of Balkerne Hill, a newspaper article reports 'Last week, while excavating the extensive reservoir for the Colchester Waterworks on Balcon Lane. The workmen fell in with the remains of some spacious Roman baths, and earthen pipes of a peculiar construction, for the letting in and out of the waters, with a quantity of Roman pottery…What were taken up perfect are in the possession of Mr Dodd the engineer'.<1>