Element record MCC2888 - Roman inhumation, Topfield, Rawstorn Road, Colchester

Summary

One of two Roman inhumation burials (F2) recording during a watching brief in the south-eastern part of the Topfield site in 2007.

Location

Grid reference TL 99025 25217 (point)
Map sheet TL92NE
County ESSEX
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Roman inhumation. One of two burials (see also MCC2887) exposed in the south-eastern part of the Topfield site, Rawstorn Road in 2007. These are thought to be associated with the four inhumations found during the 2001 evaluation (ECC2911), and are most probably outliers to the known Roman cemetery at the adjacent St Mary’s hospital site.<1>

Both burials F1 and F2 were visible as darker grave cuts within natural sand. They occurred at 1m below pre-reduction ground-level. Only the northern end of burial F2 was visible, in the section of the levelled area (see Figs 3-4). The skull was exposed, recorded and removed. The burial was aligned N to S, with the head to the north. Fragments of Roman pottery and an iron nail, possibly a coffin nail, were visible at the head end of the grave.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Watching Brief Report: Orr, Kate (CAT). 2007. An archaeological watching brief and partial excavation at Topfield, Rawstorn Road, Colchester, Essex, August 2006-May 2007. CAT Report 423, p.3.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Dec 20 2016 1:48PM

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