Monument record MCC2968 - High status Roman Building

Summary

CAT Building 214; a large, high status Roman building.

Location

Grid reference TL 9933 2544 (point)
Map sheet TL92NE
County ESSEX
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

CAT Building 214, a large, high-status building, was located on the western edge of Insula 1b. Remains of eight wall foundations were identified, preserved to a maximum height of 25-30cms above floor level, while four interior spaces were also uncovered. The remains of opus signinum floors were discovered in some places. From these remains, the original size of the building can be projected to have been at least 19m x 19m, a substantial structure, which may have been built around central courtyard to the north east.

The whole of the south western corner of the building has been securely identified due to the fact that a metalled street was identified immediately adjacent to the building to the west. At least three rooms of the building were identified, as well as two long narrow corridors. Both of the floors in the corridors displayed evidence of opus signinum, which may have represented either the finished floor surfaces or the base layer for a tessellated pavement or mosaic floor.

Due to the large quantity of decorated painted wall-plaster that was found within the demolition layers and the size of the structure it seems likely that this building was a high-status Roman town house similar to others previously identified in the town. <1>

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Watching Brief Report: Brooks, H., Clarke, W., Gorniak, M. and Pooley, L. (CAT). 2009. Roman buildings, the rear face of the Roman Town Wall and archaeological investigations in Insulas 1a, 1b, 9a and 9b, at the Sixth Form College, North Hill, Colchester, Essex April 2005-March 2006. CAT Report 347, pp.4-6.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

May 4 2018 11:06AM

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