Monument record MCC7491 - Sheepen - cemetery

Summary

A late C4 inhumation cemetery on the east side of the excavated site.

Location

Grid reference TL 985 256 (point)
Map sheet TL92NE
Non Parish Area COLCHESTER, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (5)

Full Description

A late C4 inhumation cemetery on the east side of the excavated site. <1> During the 1970 excavations 14 inhumation graves were found, forming a previously unsuspected late Roman cemetery, of the C3-C4. Subsequent contractors excavation in 1971 produced five pre-Flavian cremation groups. These were not recovered under very good conditions but there was some indication that the 5 groups may have lain within an enclosure delimited by a ditch or possibly even a robbed out wall. The samian found with the groups suggests a Neronian date for the cremations which are chiefly remarkable for the wealth of the grave goods, notably glass and a fine wood and leather burial casket embellished with brass studs, an ornamental lock plate and decorative brass rings with paste beads. The grave goods include a jar, butt beakers, flask, Gallo-Belgic cup, Samian cups, a glass dish and pieces of a flagon in blue green glass. The graves produced a few late Roman grave goods; in most cases the skeletons had not survived. <2>

Sources/Archives (2)

  • <1> EXCAV REPORT: Niblett, R. 1985. Sheepen: an early Roman Industrial Site at Camulodunum. N0 57.
  • <2> DESC TEXT: Dunnett, BR. unknown. SMR.

Finds (5)

Protected Status/Designation

Related Monuments/Buildings (5)

Related Events/Activities (1)

Record last edited

Nov 3 2015 11:41AM

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