Element record MCC628 - Late Roman Ditch, Balkerne Hill, Colchester
Summary
Late Roman ditch discovered during excavations at Balkerne Lane in 1973-6.
Location
| Grid reference | TL 9922 2522 (point) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | TL92NE |
| 1848 Parish | ST PETER |
| Non Parish Area | COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX |
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
During excavations at Balkerne Lane between 1973-6 (ECC332) a late Roman ditch was discovered in the side of a contractor's trench when the bulk excavations for the new road were well underway. The ditch ran north-south along the eastern edge of the late Roman town ditch (MCC659) and stopped close to the ambulatory wall of the Romano-Celtic temple (MCC556).
The purpose of the ditch is unknown but the excavators felt that a defensive role was likely. A second north-south ditch was located to the south (MCC627) but 'it is unlikely that both ditches were conceived as part of the same scheme'.<1>
Sources/Archives (1)
- <1> SCC100 Monograph: Crummy, Philip. 1981. CAR 3: Excavations at Lion Walk, Balkerne Lane and Middleborough, Colchester, Essex. 3. p.145.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (1)
Record last edited
Oct 14 2016 4:35PM