Pubgoers will have one foot in the past when they visit a new bar and restaurant in Colchester.

Before work began to construct Quilters riverside pub at Middleborough, a survey was carried out by the developers and Colchester Archaeological Trust.

They found several pieces of leather preserved by the damp conditions near the River Colne, and two large pieces of wood which date back to Roman times.

The leather included three bits of sole from discarded shoes, four offcuts and part of a strap.

Philip Crummy, director of Colchester Archaeological Trust, said: "In Colchester we have got very little leather from that period. It is interesting and it suggests there may once have been leather works there."

The presence of offcuts suggests the material is waste from a workshop on the north side of Water Lane - the old name of Sheepen Road.

The shape of the shoe soles provides evidence that they come from around the late 14th century.

The pieces of wood, found a metre below the leather, are of older origin.

One bit was an elm branch used as a chopping block. The other was an oak pile thought to be the remains of a Roman bridge or landing pier used to unload small boats which plied their trade up the river.

Mr Crummy said the finds were below the depth of the new pub's foundations and would not be damaged or disturbed.

"There is obviously a lot more around that site. It may be there was some substantial building there. It is tantalising, but we will not know what was there until it is fully excavated at a later date."

Handle with care - an expert takes a closer look at the mediaeval finds

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