Site Event/Activity record ECH5183 - Site of the Feathers Hotel (and Stairs), Chester (Fortress Baths) in 1746

In 1746 Foote Gower notes the remains of a Roman hypocaust in a cellar adjoining the steps of the Feathers Inn. Gower describes the room as a low oblong space with a flat roof supported by several small columns about 60cm high and topped with Roman tiles 60cm square. The description is almost word for word the same as Horsley in 1732, however Gower notes they were still extant in 1746. When he also notes the existence of several flues ascending from the floor to the level of the upper pavement and an ante-chamber supposedly for the stoker of the fires. Gower states the greater part of these remains were subsequently concealed by several walls purposely erected to hide them. (2) It is likely this is the same site reported again in 1732 (ECH5152) 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).