Colchester Archaeological Trust undertook a watching brief of c.6.5ha. In three Areas (A, B, C) during infrastructure works for the University of Essex’s new research park, the ‘Knowledge Gateway’ during 2010-11. Area B, c.0.8ha. In area, was located principally to the south of Capon Road and west of Boundary Road.<1> The area had been evaluated in 2004 by Essex CC Field Archaeology Unit (ECC2845), and followed a DBA (ECC2846): trenches 24 and 25 (in Area B) defined Roman ditches, post-holes and deposits, containing mainly abraded material.<2>

The excavation of the western part of Area B had been excavated to 1000mm in depth without/before archaeological supervision. There was a dense deposit of Roman brick and tile, however, along the edge of this area, probably a pit F4. Late IA-early Roman sherds and Roman brick/tile fragments were recovered from the section of this feature.

Two possible pits were also identified in this area (despite substantial wheel-rutting). A ?Roman brick fragment was recovered from one, the other contained burnt material.

Late IA-early Roman sherds and Roman brick/tile fragments and worked flint were also recovered from the interface between the topsoil and colluvium during the topsoil stripping, and occasional charcoal and daub flecks.

A dense deposit of charcoal was uncovered by machine, F5, containing fragments of burnt bone, probably the remains of an unurned cremation. Close by, a dense deposit of pottery F6 was observed in section (from two or three vessels, early 2nd-mide/late 3rd centuries; 455 sherds weighing 3138g); apparently the pots were in the base of a pit.

A possible infilled alluvial channel was also encountered in Area B, that perhaps connected to the River Colne.

Features in Area B were sealed by a layer of colluvium.