Site Event/Activity record ECH5243 - 54 - 60 Foregate Street (Chester): Limited Archaeological Excavation

In August and September 2009, four areas of proposed disturbance were investigated ahead of a store refurbishment at 54 - 60 Foregate St., Chester. Two areas of shallow disturbance were monitored archaeologically. Two other areas, both closer to the Foregate St. frontage and associated with deeper intrusions, were excavated, but only to the depth of proposed disturbance. An impressive assemblage of post-medieval pottery was recovered, and both sandstone masonry and brick structural remains, and other features, were exposed and recorded. These remains were associated with the densely packed eastern suburbs of post-medieval Chester. Although the depth of the investigation was necessarily limited, there were also clear indications of surviving Roman features and deposits at lower levels. The fill sequence of surviving archaeological stratigraphy was not revealed, but importantly the findings have demonstrated clearly that extensive, complex, deeply stratified and multi-period archaeological deposits survive across this general location. This information will assist in the long-term management of the significant archaeology in this part of the city.