http://www.eadt.co.uk/content/eadt/news/story.aspx?brand=EADOnline&category=News&tBrand=EADOnline&tCategory=znews&itemid=IPED16%20Oct%202006%2019:04:24:250


More remains of chariot racetrack found
17 October 2006 | 08:21

FURTHER well-preserved remains of Colchester's Roman chariot racetrack
have been discovered by archaeologists working on the town's garrison
redevelopment.

Experts have uncovered an intact piece of the Roman Circus's wall
foundation beneath Napier Road, to the South of Flagstaff Road in
Colchester.

The wall, which is approximately 12m long, was discovered while
developer Taylor Woodrow was undertaking excavation work as part of the
redevelopment of the area.

The curving section forms part of the semicircular eastern end of the
stadium, which would have been opposite the gates near where the
chariots started their races.

The first of the remains of the Roman Circus - the name given to chariot
racetracks of the time - were discovered on late 2004, when
archaeologists were carrying out exploratory digs before the undeveloped
Abbey Field site was built on.

New findings indicate that the track itself had been lowered to provide
a firmer surface to race on, and that the removed topsoil was used to
provide the banks on which the spectator seating was built.

Philip Crummy, director of Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT), now
estimates that the circus could have held up to 15,000 spectators.

Following the recent discovery a meeting was held between Taylor
Woodrow, English Heritage, Colchester Borough Council, RPS and the
Colchester Archaeological Trust, to discuss the best way in which the
wall could be preserved.

Construction of utility services along Napier Road would have, with
normal construction methods, destroyed the wall.

However, a method of tunnelling underneath will ensure that the remains
are preserved for posterity.

Yesterday Mr Crummy said: “You can see quite a clear curve. It is all
foundations - there is nothing above ground.

“Some of the foundations in certain parts of the circus were removed in
the medieval period. But here they are intact almost all the way across
the width of the street.

“We haven't quite sorted out exactly where the gates at the east end
were, but we think we have found the central barrier, which was a
partition in the middle of the arena.

“We do, however, know it is 450 metres long which makes it one of the
largest outside Italy.”

Peter Andrew, Taylor Woodrow Eastern regional managing director, said:
“It is fantastic to unearth another piece of the Roman chariot track and
discover more about the Roman Circus which is such an important part of
Colchester's history.

“We will endeavour to preserve the wall as much as possible for future
generations.”

Robert Masefield, archaeological consultant from RPS said: “This latest
find helps us to understand the extent to which Colchester and indeed
Britain itself was Romanised.

“The circus foundations we unearthed last year were generally poorly
preserved, so to find this section of surviving wall is particularly
important and helps us to increase our knowledge even further.”

Information on Colchester's Roman Chariot track and artefacts discovered
last year are currently displayed for public viewing at the Bryant Homes
marketing suite on Flagstaff Road.

Anybody wanting information on opening times can call 01206 578492 for
details.

roddy.ashworth@eadt.co.uk

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