An archaeological evaluation by trial-trenching and borehole watching brief at the Sixth Form College, North Hill, Colchester, Essex – June 2011

An evaluation by two trenches has identified the uppermost significant archaeological horizon of Roman date on the site of the proposed development adjacent to the ‘north site’ complex of buildings at the Sixth Form College.
The highest Roman deposits – containing fragments of building material and pottery – are demolition layers dating to the early-mid 3rd to 4th century, when a Roman building in this area was probably demolished. The Roman deposits are almost all sealed by a thick layer of late medieval or post-medieval topsoil, and are universally at a depth that should not impede further development.
The finds from the evaluation are dominated by fragments of Roman brick and roof tile, with lesser quantities of mortar, opus signinum, and pottery. This material must derive from the demolition of Roman buildings in the vicinity.
During the watching brief on three boreholes, no material of archaeological significance was uncovered.