Element Group record MCC10090 - Medieval ditches, former Meeanee & Hyderabad Barracks (Site H), Colchester

Summary

Two medieval enclosure ditches, recorded during 2011 Site H excavation, in advance of the redevelopment of the former Meeanee & Hyderabad Barracks, Mersea Road.

Location

Grid reference TL 9994 2435 (point)
Map sheet TL92SE
County ESSEX
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

The cemetery (MCC10089) was cut by two parallel ditches HF13 and HF19, aligned N to S, which appear to define the NW corner of a double-ditched corner – HF13 as the outer circuit and HF19 as the inner circuit. From north to south, HF13 cut graves HF11, HF4, HF10, HF38, HF40, and HF23. If the cemetery is late Roman, the ditch must be latest Roman or post-Roman. The presence of medieval pottery and pegtile fragments in ditch HF19 must be a strong indication that the ditches are medieval or later. The report (p.81) suggests, however, 'if the later finds in HF19 are intrusive, then it may be the case that an early phase of these ditches is Roman.'<1>

At the north end of Site H, a large ditch HF12, aligned NW to SE, cut graves HF14, HF22, HF16, HF35, and HF32. HF12 contained residual prehistoric and Roman finds, as well as post-medieval red earthenware (Fabric 40) and modern ironstone fabric 48d (19th-20th century). A postmedieval
date for this ditch seems certain.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> EXCAV REPORT: Brooks, Howard. 2016. A Late Iron Age dyke, Roman and Anglo-Saxon burials, a Roman coin hoard, and a Civil War fort: Stage 1b archaeological evaluation and Stage 2 excavation at Colchester Garrison Alienated Land Area A1. CAT Report 628, pp.77-82.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Dec 16 2016 1:10PM

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