Site Event/Activity record ECH5221 - Recorded Remains Found at the Linen Hall, Chester in 1778 (Watergate Baths Site)

Roman remains discovered during cutting for the foundations of the Linen Hall to the north of Watergate Street comprised a particularly decorative altar (now at the British Museum) along with Roman bricks and pavements of the opus spicatum type (brick paving in a 'herringbone' pattern) as well as evidence of at least two hypocausts. The majority of the evidence was however destroyed during the construction of the Linen Hall (1). Foote Gower records that an altar, bricks and pavements as well as evidence of two hypocausts were recorded, much of which was subsequently destroyed (3). Also recorded were a number of finds including roof tiles, one with a legionary stamp, and more than 20 coins, one of Nero (2).