Element record MCC590 - Roman mosaic pavement, Balkerne Hill, Colchester

Summary

Roman mosaic pavement at Balkerne Hill, recorded in 1876 and in 1973-6.

Location

Grid reference TL 99183 25127 (point)
Map sheet TL92NE
1848 Parish ST PETER
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

During excavations directed by Dr. H. Laver on the area of land between the Colchester Union and Blatch Square (ECC626), the pavement of a 'Roman Villa' was uncovered by a party of 'sappers and miners' in 1876.<1>

Two pavements were recorded from the site 'now built over'.<2>

What was 'almost certainly' the same pavement as the one discovered in 1876 was uncovered for a second time during excavations at Balkerne Lane in 1973-6 (ECC332). The mosaic (CAT feature ref. HF159) was found to have been almost completely destroyed in the 19th century when St Mary's Terrace was built. All that survived were a few rows of white tesserae surrounded by some patches of red tessellation. No trace of the building in which the pavement lay could be found although it is possible, but unlikely, that the mosaic was part of a house recorded immediately to the west (see MCC593).<3>

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Monograph: Hull, M.R.. 1958. Roman Colchester: Reports of the Research Committee of the Society of Antiquaries of London. No. XX. p.243.
  • <2> Serial: The Essex Society for Archaeology and History. 1909. Vol. 10 (New Series) Transactions of the Essex Archaeological Society. Vol. X (New Series). p.89.
  • <3> Monograph: Crummy, Philip. 1981. CAR 3: Excavations at Lion Walk, Balkerne Lane and Middleborough, Colchester, Essex. 3.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Record last edited

Oct 13 2016 12:45PM

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.