Site Event/Activity record ECH4887 - Desk based assessment at Old Port, Southern Tail, Chester, 2000

Report includes an archaeological desk based assessment of land at Old Port, Chester in July 2000. The area was considered to be of high industrial archaeological significance because of the surviving port infrastructure related to the post medieval port of Chester. The desk based assessment comprised consultation of primary and secondary documentary sources as well as easily available historic, cartographic, pictorial and aerial photographic evidence. This was followed by a site walkover. It also includes the results of a number of trial pits excavated along the river bank (ECH4872). At the northern end of the site, three service trenches were excavated. The report concluded that there may has been significant removal of 'natural' inlets in the early-mid 18th century to facilitate safe boat loading and un-loading while deliberate back-filling in the mid 19th century would ensure that pre 18th century deposits would be sealed. The most important potential area for survival of archaeological deposits is in the vicinity of the probable Roman wharf. Areas with a possible survival of deep deposits may also occur along the gas compound to the north east of the Roman wharf.