An archaeological evaluation at land east of Brook Street, Colchester, Essex: July 2004

Eleven trial trenches were excavated at land to the east of Brook Street, prior to a planning application for residential development being determined. The evaluation resulted in several pits and a ditch of 14th to 16th century date being recorded near the corner of Brook Street and Barrack Street, on the higher ground. These resembled domestic rubbish pits and they probably relate to a property fronting Barrack Street to the south. Evidence of sand quarrying was found on the higher ground, and clay quarrying on the lower ground to the east. Some archaeological features may have been destroyed by this quarrying activity as well as by the landfill pit and the car park, both south of the Co-op warehouse. Modern pits are probably a reflection of the gradual encroachment of the Victorian suburbs onto open land. The Civil War Siege ditch was not definitely identified. However it is proposed that when 144 Brook Street is demolished one more trench will be excavated, by Brook Street, to attempt to reveal it.