Monument record MCC5468 - Birch Pit western extension, Maldon Road, Colchester

Summary

Roman settlement may have originated in the Late Iron Age with trackways, cremation areas and enclosures.

Location

Grid reference Centred TL 9234 1927 (614m by 422m)
Map sheet TL91NW
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (5)

Full Description

The main area of Roman activity is defined by a concentration of features in the northwest part of the site. The extent of the features corresponds with the eastern half of a surface scatter of Roman finds. On the east side of the Roman site was a ditch which seems to have been a significant boundary. The only features located east of this boundary are cremations. Pottery of 1st to early 2nd century date were found in ditches, pits and postholes, four possible graves for inhumation burials and one very large pit which may have been a well. Mid-Roman features include ditches and enclosures, pottery and tile were recovered. Late Roman changes to the settlement were recorded, pottery and a large quantity of tile were recovered from a pit. Four urned cremation burials were located close to the northeastern corner of the area.<1>

Sources/Archives (2)

  • --- DESC TEXT: Essex Society for Archaeology and History. 2010. Essex Archaeology and History Vol.40. 40.
  • <1> EXCAV REPORT: Benfield, Stephen. 2007. Archaeological investigations at Birch Pit western extension, Maldon Road, Colchester, Essex. 2004 and 2005-6.

Finds (3)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 3 2015 11:41AM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.