Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 293: summary

An archaeological watching brief at Merly House, 21 West Lodge Road, Colchester, Essex: March-June 2004
by Orr, K (with contributions from Benfield, S; Crummy, N; Curl, J.)

Date report completed: 06/06/2005
Location: Lexden, Colchester, Essex
Map reference(s): TL98242476
File size: 362 kb
Project type: Watching brief
Significance of the results: *
Keywords: Roman burial, cremation, Roman pottery, human bone, coins, small finds, personal ornaments

Summary. A watching brief was carried out during groundworks for a swimming-pool, garage and kitchen extension at 21 West Lodge Road. One in-situ cremation burial and three disturbed cremation burials were recorded. These are part of a Roman cemetery, other burials from which were observed next door at the Handford House site. The in-situ cremation burial included three coins and a hand-mirror with wood adhering to it. The cremated bone and the small finds suggest a burial of an adolescent girl or young woman who died c AD 77-85.