Site Event/Activity record ECH4652 - Archaeological evaluation at Delamere Street, Chester (Gorse Stacks) in 2004

An archaeological assessment undertaken during September and October 2004 on a block of land which lies on the north side of Delamere St., Chester. This is Site 6 within the wider Gorse Stacks development. The assessment was comprised of both a desk-top study and field evaluation. Fourteen test pits were excavated, Although archaeology dating from the Roman period onward was identified, the remains appear to survive in pockets and are neither deeply stratified nor particularly complex. Over the western half of the site, apart from pit features associated with the late post-medieval expansion into this area, the earlier archaeology generally lies close to the natural sandstone bedrock. Human remains were anticipated but no residual human bone or grave cuts were identified. Long wall foundations identified on site and on the cartographic evidence may perpetuate the line of former medieval burgage plots. Eastwards, thick soil layers overlie the bedrock and protect surviving archaeology. A Roman soil layer containing fresh, unabraded ceramic was noted in the central southern part of the site. A possible early watercourse was identified close to the east end of the site. A stone quarry was indicated on the historic mapping, but could not be identified based on the excavations (1).