Archaeological investigations at St Nicholas’ Square, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1LB: October 2023 – June 2025

Archaeological investigations were carried out at St Nicholas Square, Colchester, Essex between
October 2023 and June 2025 during groundworks for a new plaza. Located in the centre of the city,
close to Colchester Castle, groundworks revealed significant archaeological remains. Groundworks
consisted of trial-holes, widespread areas of ground reduction both in the square and surrounding
roads, and the excavation of two tree-pits, a large inspection chamber, smaller manholes and
numerous service trenches. The size, shape and depth of these groundworks varied widely. The
primary method of investigation was archaeological monitoring and recording with targeted excavated
occurring where archaeological remains were identified and where it was possible to do so.
The development site is located within St Nicholas’ Churchyard. St Nicholas Church had medieval
origins and was rebuilt at least twice before being demolished in 1955. A total of thirty-eight in situ
burials were impacted by the St Nicholas Square groundworks with another three identified but not
disturbed. There were fifteen burial chambers dating to the period c 1650-1850. Fourteen were singlewidth,
brick-lined chambers that could potentially accommodate up to six coffins, and there was one
probable double-width brick-lined chamber with barrelled roof. All burials associated with the
chambers were left in situ and covered by the development. Twenty-three inhumation burials, where a
single individual was buried straight into the ground, were at least partially excavated. Thirteen
produced fragments of coffin furniture and date from the 17th century onwards.
The development site is also located within Insulas 29 and 30 of the Roman walled town. Investigation
of the Roman remains was limited by the nature of the groundworks. The most significant discovery
was a substantial north/south wall foundation that appears to be aligned with a foundation identified
underneath the church when it was demolished. Together they form part of a sizable building in the
north-east corner of Insula 29. Previous excavations in the area have also revealed a large building in
the north-west corner of Insula 30, and six more robber trenches were identified (but not excavated)
during these groundworks. Between Insulas 29 and 30, groundworks also revealed the remains of the
metalled street surface.
Other significant Roman discoveries included Boudiccan demolition debris and the remains of a clay
block wall and floor from the pre-Boudiccan colonia, two exquisite gold rings and ninety-eight pieces of
marble, an assemblage which has been described as of national importance.