Monument record MCC3039 - Roman bath structure, 29-39 Head Street, Colchester

Summary

An apsidal bath structure initially discovered during 1934 excavations and recorded again in 1998.

Location

Grid reference TL 9935 2507 (point)
Map sheet TL92NE
County ESSEX
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Apsidal bath structure, discovered initially in the 1934 excavations (see ECC963) constructed with a curvilinear cut initially lined with tile fragments. Subsequently a mortar and septaria concrete mix was poured into place. On the interior side of the bath was a 20mm thick smooth mortar facing, possibly limewashed. At the base of the interior face was seen a decorative band of mosaic, consisting of five rows of tesserae, four white and one red, extending horizontally around the base. No trace of the mosaic floor detailed in the 1934 excavation was seen (MCC2455).

A modern cut observed in the south-facing section extended down within the bath and it is presumed that the mosaic was robbed at this time. However, it should be noted that the mosaic was recorded as having patches missing in 1934 and it is possible that the area exposed by the 1998 excavation coincidentally found one of them.

In general the structure was found to survive in an excellent condition, to a maximum height of 32.75m OD. Further structural remains were recorded approximately 2m to the south of the bath, consisting primarily of a corner foundation of a similar construction to the bath.<1>

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Evaluation Report: Howe, Tony and Moore, John. 1998. An archaeological evaluation at 29-39 Head Street, Colchester. AOC Archaeology Group, p.33.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Oct 21 2016 8:04AM

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