Site Event/Activity record ECH4930 - Observations made at Watergate Street, Chester in 1894 (Watergate Baths Site)

Watergate Street, 1894: On site of earlier discovery of Roman baths at the Watergate Flags, further evidence was discovered comprising an arched opening, a concrete floor and several large tiles (1). The Cheshire Observer recorded: 'In connection with the old disused cellaring found last week in the widened portion of the city walls roadway by the Watergate, the workmen have since come across further remains of the Roman Villa discovered at the time the houses on Watergate Flags were erected in 1779. This recent find consists of a small arched opening built of Chester district stone, and having a lower-floor of concrete which can be traced in situ for a distance of 12 feet. So far as at present can be seen, the upper covering consists of large tiles about 2 feet square' (2, 4).