Site Event/Activity record ECH4319 - 'Nowhere', River Lane, Handbridge, Chester: Watching Brief

The results of the archaeological watching brief have shown that deposits over c2.60m deep survive within the area of the former Roman quarry. From the ceramics noted and recovered from context [11] upwards, it would seem that the backfilling of the quarry continued during the post-medieval period, bringing the ground to the rear of the house up to its present-day level. Unfortunately, contexts [5], [6] and [12] failed to produce any ceramics, or other forms of evidence by which they could be dated. It is unfortunate that trench excavation was not monitored as this would have given greater opportunity for the retrieval of datable material. These deposits, consisting mostly of sandstone and clay, are likely to be the redeposition of natural material into the quarry from excavation nearby. The maximum depth of the quarry was not encountered during the watching brief and further deposits may exist beneath context.