Element record MCC2166 - Roman furnace, Royal Grammar School, Colchester
Summary
Location
Grid reference | TL 98711 24815 (point) |
---|---|
Map sheet | TL92SE |
County | ESSEX |
Non Parish Area | COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX |
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
A Roman flue or furnace discovered during trenching in the grounds of the Royal Grammar School. The furnace was the most recent one of three (see also MCC2165 and MCC2165) found overlying the fill of a ditch (MCC2160). It was built of tiles laid flat for floors, with walls of broken tile and shapeless pieces of 'conglomerate'. They consisted of 'a straight passage about a foot wide and up to 12ft. long, ending in a nearly round chamber'. The natural loam had been baked red by the heat. The three flues overlapped, the most recent being clear of the ditch but partly overlying the other two. 'It has been suggested that their purpose was for cremation'. The find of a grey powder containing phosphate and calcium within this furnace would support this view.<1>
Sources/Archives (1)
- <1> SCC48 Monograph: Hull, M.R.. 1958. Roman Colchester: Reports of the Research Committee of the Society of Antiquaries of London. No. XX. p.259.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Record last edited
Jan 24 2017 1:11PM