Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 352: summary

An archaeological evaluation at Colchester High School, 17 Wellesley Road, Colchester, Essex: November-December 2005
by Orr, K

Date report completed: 12/12/2005
Location: Lexden, Colchester, Essex
Map reference(s): TL99012481
File size: 905 kb
Project type: Evaluation
Significance of the results: *
Keywords: Roman burial, Roman inhumation, inhumation, cremation, animal bone, Roman pit, human bone

Summary. An archaeological evaluation consisting of two trial-trenches was carried out at Colchester High School, 17 Wellesley Road, Colchester, Essex. All the archaeological features recorded were of Roman date. An inhumation grave was revealed and there is the likelihood of earlier, disturbed cremation burials on the site. A large Roman rubbish-pit was recorded containing cattle horn-cores. Two pits and two linear features were also recorded. No structural remains were recorded and the evidence points to this being an open, unoccupied area used for burial plots and rubbish-pits. After the Roman period, the site appears to have passed out of use. The site may have been employed to pasture animals or grow crops in the post-Roman period. There was no evidence of medieval monastic buildings or burials.