Site Event/Activity record ECH3981 - Archaeological evaluation at the Old Port (North Site), Chester in 2003

Evaluation undertaken on the site of the former gas works at Roodee. The aim of the evaluation was to determine the presence or absence and quality of archaeological remains relating to the Chester Workhouse and the river flood defence known as the 'Cop'. The evaluation initially comprised three trenches with a further two added at a later date. The evaluation identified the truncated remains of the workhouse wall, in the form of a substantial brick wall in Trench 1. The river defence, in the form of a bank and a sloping stone wall was identified in Trench 2. Three sandstone structures pre-dating the workhouse were also identified in trenches 1 and 5. Whilst these structures are on the line of an early flood defence from 1745 their form suggested they were not part of the defence. It is possible that they relate to former quay or wharf side structures pre-dating the workhouse.