Excavations undertaken by the Colchester Archaeological Trust 1976-89 recovered a number of pagan and Christian burials (see MCC481). Fifteen inhumations and five cremations dating to the ?3rd century - c.AD 270-320 were recovered and a further 44 coffined inhumations from c.AD 270-c.AD 320. Initially the area was divided up by boundary ditches into fairly loosely defined plots with cremations and uncoffined inhumations. Scatters of iron working debris and pottery sherds point to industries nearby, though the excavated area was probably used for agricultural or horticultural purposes. Later in the late 3rd-early 4th century a more formally established pagan inhumation cemetery was laid out with coffined graves aligned north-south with clearly defined boundaries and family plots. The burials from the pagan cemetery appear to be related to agricultural plot boundaries, and may represent individuals directly associated with those plots. Both cremation and inhumation were practised the former possibly reserved for young children, the later for older children and adults. The lack of formality shown in the deposition of some of the corpses, coupled to a paucity of grave accessories, may indicate the low social status and or material wealth of many individuals in that sector, and may also indicate a change of ritual over time.<1>

A number of internal boundary ditches were identified; AF136; CF58/CF49/CF50/HF31;CF59;CF35/61;BF165/CF32, please refer to excavation report.<1>

Wire recovered a number of remains from excavations at the Sand Pit in Butt Road in the 1830's & 1840's, many finds are not associated with wither inhumations or cremations, however the following of Hull's Grave Groups are associated with cremations and therefore likely to be part of the Pagan Cemetery: 418, 505,539. The following finds are not associated with either skeletons or cremations: 332,333,334,335,336,419,426,443,444,445,446.<2> See MCC481 for Christian Cemetery, Skeletons recovered by Wire are listed in this record, although they may indeed be Pagan.