A well preserved section of the Triple Dyke built to strengthen the line of Shrub End Dyke at its northern end. Number 4a on the plan in Colchester Museums `Roman Colchester'. <1> The area between TL 965245 and 964247 is scheduled and an upstanding monument consisting of a triple rampart and external ditch to the west. The extension to the north, to the Colne is not extant but a virtually certain line; the extension to the south is partially extant and partially certain course of, but not extant. Source 2 notes that the area of the dyke at TL 964257 was excavated by B Blake in 1971 bt no details yet published. <2> <3> Photos in SMR. <4> This source suggests construction after the Roman conquest - see 11635. <5> <6> Unusual in that it consists of three banks and ditches. <7> Scheduling revised and new SAM number assigned April 2002. Now SAM 29460 instead of Essex 10A. <8>

Site Assessment = The dyke is grassed in the wooded area adjoining Straight Road; it is maintained by the Borough Council whose recreational area bounds the monument on the west side. <1> The dyke has disappeared for most of its length; the surviving part is scheduled. <7>