During observation of the excavation of a pipe trench in Castle Park (ECC375) in 1983, a much denuded bank was found to the west of the ditch (MCC1310). The bank was approximately 5.5m wide and 0.6m high consisting of layers of sand and gravel with some mixed sandy clay loam towards the top. Although it was not proved conclusively to have been of human construction; it is likely that the bank and ditch were the remains of the outer bailey defences of the castle. The existence of these defences is suggested by the rise and pronounced dip in ground level running northwards of the Park cafe. This forms a boundary of some antiquity.'<1>

A watching brief was maintained during the excavation of trenches for an extension at the north-west corner of the Conservative Club which revealed a north-south wall foundation constructed mainly of mortared septaria with occasional tile fragments in the west face. To the east of the foundation was a thick clay loam deposit assumed to be make-up associated with the wall. The wall and clay deposit appear to be Roman and perhaps marks the western boundary of the temple precinct. The eastern part of the clayey deposit was cut by a large feature with sloping sides, possibly the castle bailey ditch. A clay layer of similar appearance was noted at the south-west corner of the site where it was present to within 0.4m of the modern ground surface.<2>

A watching brief was held during the digging of two trenches adjacent to the Methodist Church on Ryegate Road, in 1987. The edge of the castle bailey ditch was noted.<3>

A watching brief was held during the excavation of a trench for a new gas main which was dug from south to north running from Cowdray Crescent through the Castle Park and into the east side of the Castle. The trench was comparatively shallow, averaging 0.8m deep and 0.45m wide. The first part of the trench by the Castle Park gates was observed by Denis Gamble (Colchester Borough Council engineer) who reported nothing of significance showing in the sides. Possible natural sand was observed at a depth of 0.5m approximately 12.5 to 14m from the wall by the gates and this may indicate the western limit of the Bailey ditch.<4>

see also Arch Journal 1982 Plan of 1622 in Drury article. shallow ditch was excavated inside the town wall towards the north end of the pipe trench.<5>