Site Event/Activity record ECH4185 - Archaeological evaluation at Albion House, Albion Street, Chester in 2005

The results of the archaeological evaluation trench have demonstrated clearly that the construction of the adjacent cellared building resulted in deep and extensive disturbance across a large part of the proposed development site (1). This disturbance extends eastwards from the east wall for a distance of 3.4m and to a depth of over 1.8m; it has effectively removed any pre-existing archaeology. However, on the very east side of the site, away from the deep foundation cut, archaeological layers do survive above the undisturbed natural clay subsoil, together with features of post-medieval date. It is very likely, within the general vicinity of the development site, that archaeological features of significance will survive, particularly at the level of the natural clay subsoil. The vulnerability of any archaeology in the general location will depend upon the precise extent of the footprint of the proposed new structure. But overall, considering the limited space available for construction and the resultant minimal ground disturbance, the chances of disturbing significant archaeology are considered low (1)