ERO Presents: The former Essex County Hospital site, Colchester
Schedule
Tue Sep 30 2025 at 10:40 am to 12:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Wharf Road,Chelmsford,CM2 6YT,GB | Chelmsford, EN
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Roman burial, settlement and industry west of the walled townSpeaker: Adam Wightman
Archaeological excavations at the Essex County Hospital site in Colchester have been ongoing for the past five years. During this time, archaeologists from the Colchester Archaeological Trust have revealed a complex Roman site with evidence for burial, occupation and industry spanning the duration of the Roman period. The remains of the major Roman road leading to the western gate of the walled town (the Balkerne Gate) were uncovered in the north-western corner of the site. High status burials occupied the land to the south of the road in the early Roman period, but as the town expanded in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, buildings were constructed fronting onto the road with industrial activities taking place to their rear. The burial of the dead continued around the site throughout the Roman period. To date, over 150 burials have been excavated at the site. These have included some fascinating animal burials, 'deviant' burials, and high status burials with the most spectacular of grave goods.
Adam Wightman is the Director of Archaeology at the Colchester Archaeological Trust. He has spent over 20 years excavating in the Eastern Region and has directed fieldwork projects for CAT in the city of Colchester for the past 15 years.
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Where is it happening?
Wharf Road,Chelmsford,CM2 6YT,GB, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
