Site Event/Activity record ECH4307 - The Leadworks, Chester: Phase 5 Archaeological evaluation

The evaluation was designed to assess the archaeological remains within the proposed development area, in particular early leadworks buildings and Roman remains (1). The site comprises a complex of 19th century industrial buildings, three evaluation trenches were opened in two large sheds in the north of the complex, two in the western shed and one in the eastern shed. Evidence for lead processing techniques were found in one trench in the form of collapsed lead stacks which were used to produce lead oxide and other chemicals. Evaluation also recorded several earlier phases of structural evidence including internal and external walls. Limited Roman evidence was noted with the exception of a single linear feature of possible Roman date (1).