Site Event/Activity record ECH3132 - Excavations in Newgate Street, Chester in 1955 (Roman Fortress Walls)

Opportunity to excavate site at Newgate Street following the demolition of properties 32-36 on the projected line of the southern defences of the Roman fortress. An initial test hole dug by the contractors recorded a well constructed sandstone and mortar wall after which more detailed excavation was carried out. The excavations recorded the rear face of the Agricolan clay and turf rampart in three separate locations, at the western end of the site the remains of an interval tower inserted into the rampart was recorded, although no structural remains were recorded foundation trenches and robber trenches were noted. A rampart building of a Trajanic date was noted comprising a rear wall c40ft long with a cross wall and a cement floor. In the south east corner of the site traces of two superimposed legionary ovens were recorded while in the north east corner of the site the kerb of the intervallum road and the road itself was recorded (1) Referred to as Site No 31 in the City Defences Monograph (3)