Site Event/Activity record ECH3090 - Old Market Hall Site: Excavations in the Princess Street area, Chester in 1939

In 1938 the Chester Archaeological Society obtained permission to carry out excavations on the Princess St. And Crook St. Clearance areas. The demolition of the former property there took place in 1938 - 1939, and the archaeological excavations were carried out in May 1939 in advance of adapting the site for use as a car park (4). Two sites were excavated during slum clearance in the mid 20th century, Site A adjacent to Princess Street was excavated within a limited period however Site B in the centre of the block was open for several months. (8) 1st century remains comprised foundations for an unusual building (later to be known as the elliptical building). The evidence in 1939 comprised a straight wall on an east west alignment with two curved walls extending from it. Several additional radial walls were also recorded abutting the curved walls. Drains were also noted. Later Roman remains recorded on the site included evidence of a pavement of flagstones and a hearth of a 3rd century date. A second structure was also recorded overlying the 1st century evidence following a similar layout. Medieval and later evidence was recorded in the upper layers of the site (1) Catalogue of Roman mirrors in the Museum (3)