Colchester Archaeological Trust

CAT Report 1553: summary

Archaeological monitoring at 99 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TH: April 2020
by Dr Elliott Hicks & Donald Shimmin (with contributions from Laura Pooley and Adam Wightman)

Date report completed: May 2020
Location: 99 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1TH
Map reference(s): TL 99857 25241 (centre)
File size: 2698 kb
Project type: Monitoring
Significance of the results:
Keywords: High Street Colchester

Summary. Archaeological monitoring was carried out at 99 High Street, Colchester, Essex following the exposure of a foundation during the excavation of a pit for a foundation pad to support a new flight of stairs. The foundation was approximately late 17th century in date and was oriented east-west, lying on a similar alignment to the High Street itself. It is likely that the foundation represents the remains of the 'Norfolk Houses', built in 1780-83, which formerly lined the thoroughfare. Previous excavations in the area have revealed large amounts of 17th- and 18th-century clay pipe fragments and possible fragmentary remains of a kiln, suggesting that a clay pipe kiln once stood nearby, and further clay pipe remains – some embossed with the same manufacturers' stamp – were also recovered.