Site Event/Activity record ECH5317 - Evaluation at the Roman Gardens, Chester in 2011

Prior to finalising a programme of improvement and landscaping works within the archaeologically sensitive area of the Roman Gardens, Chester, a rapid evaluation was requested by the Chester City Archaeologist. Eleven small trial trenches, each measuring approximately 0.6m by 0.6m, were excavated by hand to pre-determined depths, coinciding with the anticipated depths of disturbance associated with the proposed landscaping scheme. The excavations revealed the protective geotextile membrane, laid down during previous archaeological work in 1999 - 2000, overlying the structural remains of a former clay tobacco pipe manufactory. Roman finds were also recovered, but it is unclear whether there are undisturbed, in situ deposits dating to this period.