The Friends of St Mary’s present a talk on the archaeological dig at Essex County Hospital
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 trust uncovered the remains of the major Roman road leading to the western gate of the walled town (the Balkerne Gate) in the north-western corner of the site.
High Status Burials
In the early Roman period, people buried high-status individuals to the south of the road. As the town grew in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, developers built structures along the roadside, placing industrial activities behind them. The burial of the dead continued around the site throughout the Roman period. The Archaeological team have excavated over 150 burials at the site to date. These have included some fascinating animal burials, ‘deviant’ burials, and high status burials with the most spectacular of grave goods.
Learn Much More on 8th June in the Old Church
On Sunday 8th June at 2:30pm the Friends of St Mary’s Old Church will welcome Adam Wightman the Director of Archaeology at the Colchester Archaeological Trust to tell us more. Taking place in the Old Church, Hall Road, refreshments will also be available. Whilst there is no charge, donations will, as always, be most welcome.
Whilst The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT), is responsible for the preservation of this and over 350 other redundant churches in England, repairs often need local funding as well.
Membership
The Friends of St Mary’s is open to all those interested in helping ensure the preservation of this historical building. You can find out more about their activities on this website . You can also follow the group on Facebook.
If you would like a membership form you can do one of the following:
click here (Fillable PDF download),
[email protected],
collect a form from the church, or
Penny on 01206 242394 or 07940 546646.