ARCHAEOLOGICAL excavations have begun at one of Colchester’s most important historical sites.

Colchester Archaeological Trust has already discovered a rich selection of Roman finds at the former Essex County Hospital site including most notably the remains of some millenniums old pottery kilns.

Work continues to expose more of the area’s history and archaeologists are hoping to find the spot where the famous Colchester Sphinx was found.

The sphinx, discovered in 1821 during groundworks at the hospital, is believed to have been part of a significant burial site.

Philip Crummy, the trust’s director, said in a blog post: “A large number of broken marble fragments were found along with the Sphinx thus strongly suggesting that a large and elaborate tomb once stood in this vicinity.

“Fingers crossed we find some remains of the tomb in situ which will provide some indications of its size and layout.”

Preparations are underway for the first of three public open days at the site tomorrow.

Residents are being invited to drop in between 10am and 3pm, speak to the team and explore the excavations.

A number of residents have also volunteered their time to help with the dig and cataloguing finds over the past few weeks.

Mr Crummy said: “We are delighted to be able to involve members of the public in our work courtesy of funding from the Essex Housing, Essex County Council’s housing development team.

“Opportunities were advertised for inexperienced people, each to work for a week or two alongside the archaeologists on site and to help with the initial processing of the site finds.

“Interest proved intense although, for practical reasons numbers, had to be limited.”

The Essex County Hospital site is set to be redeveloped into 120 homes.

Profits from the development will go to the council and the NHS.

Visit thecolchesterarchaeologist.co.uk for more.