An archaeological strip, map and sample was carried out at B Ground Entrance Drive, Abbey Field, Circular Road North, Colchester during a drain replacement. The drainage trench totalled 58m long and measured 0.9-1.2m wide and 0.7-1.3m deep. It was excavated along the line of the pre-existing drainage trench, so only modern backfill was removed. However, archaeological horizons were identified within the section edge of the trench (undisturbed ground). In section it was possible to determine that modern ground surface (L1, c.200-220mm thick) consisting of paving slabs, concrete or tarmac with crush, sealed four subsoil layers (L2-L4 and L6, c.200-400mm thick), which in turn sealed a natural interface (L5, c.100mm thick) and natural sands (L7). The location and depth of all these layers varied across the site. Two Roman features (a pit and pit/grave-cut), a post-medieval pit and several modern features including a large circular brick-built manhole were identified.Two Roman features (a pit and pit/grave-cut), a post-medieval pit and several modern features including a large circular brick-built manhole were identified.<1>