Site Event/Activity record ECH5188 - Observations made in Watergate Street, Chester in 1866 (Watergate Baths Site)

Watergate Street, c.1866: Workmen cutting into the pavement of Watergate Street for the insertion of new pipes and sewers noted massive foundations for a Roman wall, built of sandstone without tiles, and running diagonally across the street from the direction of the City Walls to the corner of the last house on the opposite side. The last house was said to be on the site of the sudatory and pavement mentioned by Broster at Watergate House. Note date is inferred from description given by Watkin. (1) Dee Stands, 1866: Lawson describes a massive sandstone wall from the same location but running approximately north-south from the last house but one in Watergate Flags passing under the corner of Watergate House. (This section of the wall appears to have been rediscovered in 1908). (2)