A ‘MEDIEVAL’ skeleton has been found in the grounds of a theatre in Colchester.

The site of the Mercury Theatre has been known to be an archaeological hotspot for many years. Small archaeological investigations have revealed well-preserved floors and foundations which had been parts of Roman houses.

However the current excavation project at the site has revealed something more unusual.

A skeleton, believed to have been from medieval times, was found near St Mary’s Church.

Philip Crummy, from the Colchester Archaeological Trust, said it is not clear when the skeleton would have been buried, but it must have been post-Roman period.

He said: “Somebody had been buried in a Christian fashion.

“The skeleton was in isolation at the south of the site.

“Because of the orientation it must have been connected with a graveyard.

“It was a metre down in what would have been the garden of the old rectory.

“It was an odd find, and it was unexpected.”

When people are buried in Christian burials they have their feet facing the east and head to the west.

Mr Crummy added: “There was no evidence of a coffin with this one as the nails would have survived.

“We thought it may have been to do with the Colchester Siege.

“It’s definitely not Roman as it was above Roman remains.

“I reckon it’s between 13th and 15th century, the bones were quite decayed. “

The find has been recorded and will be reburied.

Excavation work started on site on November 12, with the aim being to expose Roman pavements.

An early find was a lead musket ball, a relic of the English Civil War when, in 1648, Colchester was the scene of a desperate eleven-week-long siege.

The excavation comes ahead of the Mercury Rising project - a £9million renovation scheme which will see the entire building made fully disabled-accessible.

There will also be an all-day café, an “incubation” space to support creative talent from across the region, and a new home for all of the Mercury’s creative learning and community activities.

The project is being managed by Colchester Council and the demolition will be carried out by Phelan Construction.