A metalled surface (L4) and a compact layer of mortar and silty-clay (L5), defined at a depth of 0.59m BMGL in an evaluation trench at 2-3 Priory Street (in advance of the erection of a new rear extension). These two layers, along with a layer of Roman brick/tile fragments and mortar (mostly opus signinum) (L6), are Roman deposits that have been heavily truncated by the later medieval inhumation burials (MCC3069). Sherds of pottery and a coin recovered during the cleaning of L6 suggest that these layers are late Roman (probably 4th century) in date.<1>

The deposits are evidence of an extra-mural building to the south of the walled town which may have fronted onto the Roman road that followed the line of modern-day St Botolph’s Street. The finds dating evidence suggests that activity in this area continued into the late Roman period.