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 Balkerne 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>