Site Event/Activity record ECC4149 - Archaeological investigations at 2-3 Priory Street, Colchester, 2018

Location

Location 2-3 Priory Street, Colchester, CO1 2PY
Grid reference Centred TM 0001 2500 (7m by 22m)
Map sheet TM02NW
County ESSEX
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Technique(s)

Organisation

Colchester Archaeological Trust Ltd

Date

January - February 2018

Map

Description

Archaeological monitoring was carried out in 2018 during the excavation of seven (hand dug) test-pits dug at the request of building control against foundations inserted in 2017 (see ECC3968) to ascertain the structural integrity of the concrete foundations underpinning the new rear and side extensions. The test-pits were excavated through modern layers which overlaid undated accumulation sealing a horizon of demolition / levelling. Two articulated burials were excavated (F2 in Test-pit 2 and F4 in TP 6), both females, 17-25 years old and 25-35 years old; the presence of the two female burials in this assemblage, including a teenager, might indicate a lay cemetery. Samples taken from both skeletons produced radiocarbon dates of AD 1050-1290 (95.4% confidence) and AD 1040-1270 respectively (SUERC-80509 and SUERC-80510). A third articulated burial on the edge of Test-pit 2 was left in situ and unexcavated. In addition, c.3kg of disarticulated human bone was recovered from the test-pits along with a small quantity of animal bone (345g). It is estimated that the disarticulated human bone came from six or more individuals.<1> The work followed remedial archaeological investigations in 2017 (ECC3968) and evaluation in 2014 (ECC2882).

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Watching Brief Report: Hicks, Elliott. 2018. Archaeological monitoring at 2-3 Priory Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2PY. CAT Report 1236.

Related Monuments/Buildings (3)

  • Inhumation cemetery to the north of St Botolph's Priory Church, Colchester (Monument)
  • St Botolph's Priory, Colchester (Monument)
  • Three inhumation burials, 2-3 Priory Street, Colchester (Element Group)

Record last edited

Oct 30 2018 12:38PM

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