Site Event/Activity record ECH5152 - Site of the Feathers Hotel (and Stairs), Chester (Fortress Baths) in 1720-30

Earliest reference to a possible bath site on Bridge Street dates to the first half of the eighteenth century when Horsley notes some Roman remains on the south side of Feather's Stairs. A low oblong room was recorded adjoining a cellar to the east (possibly the hypocaust now on display at 39 Bridge Street). Within the room several pillars of stone approximately 60cm high, topped by Roman tiles approximately 60cm square and supporting a flat roof. The floor was of rough stone and cement (1) (2) It is likely this is the same site reported again in 1746 (ECH5183) and in 1771 (ECH5184) (2). Following archaeological work in 1964, this was identified as belonging to the westernmost of the heated rooms attached to the south side of the basilica thermarum. This hypocaust is almost certainly linked to the one presently on display at 39 Bridge Street (4).