Site Event/Activity record ECH2365 - Service Watching Brief at 2 Queensgate, Northwich

Watching brief undertaken in August 1991 during the excavation of foundations for a new house at 2 Queensgate, revealed Roman pottery, cobbles and traces of a hearth. The foundation trenches covered an area c.5x5m to the south of present house and were 750-800mm deep. Pottery apparently came from a mixed layer of sand and clay with charcoal flecks, at a depth of c.550-600mm below modern ground level. It included several sherds of sandy coarseware, mortarium and a piece of figured samian, probably of early 2nd C date. Large quantities of river-worn cobbles were recovered from this level and a small hearth or furnace was visible near the southern end of the west trench. The site lies outside the western defences of the fort and may represent traces of a civilian vicus alongside Chester Road. (1)