Element Group record MCC2901 - Roman pits, north of Gosbecks, Colchester

Summary

Roman pits with some interesting finds, recorded during excavations in advance of the construction of Cunobelin Way (and the housing estate to the north), north of Gosbecks Archaeological Park, in 1995-6.

Location

Grid reference TL 96766 22920 (point)
Map sheet TL92SE
County ESSEX
Civil Parish STANWAY, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

There were a large number of pits found during the 1995-6 excavations north of Gosbecks, most of which were concentrated in the western part of Site B. These varied in size between small scoops to large features. Some may be related to clearance or could also be hearths. Very few contained significant finds, although three coins (asses of Vespasian) were found in separate pits. The first two dated to AD 72-73, while the third dated to AD 69-79.

Significant finds found were a small number of military items which suggest a mid 1st-century date; a spearhead, hobnails, a cavalry pendant and a piece of Lorica segmentata. Unusually, one pit contained two horse skulls and the forepart of a kitten’s body. It was not certain whether originally the whole of the kitten may have been present.<1>

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> EXCAV REPORT: Benfield, Stephen (CAT). 2008. Excavations of Late Iron Age and Roman features and a Roman road north of Gosbecks Archaeological Park, Colchester, Essex 1995-1996. CAT Report 127, pp.4-5.

Finds (5)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Dec 20 2016 8:44AM

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