Site Event/Activity record ECH5633 - Desk based assessment at Northgate Steps, Chester in 2013

A desk-based assessment was undertaken in 2013 for a section of the City Walls to the west of the Northgate following the discovery of a chamber within the wall (see ECH5634). The investigations were part of a programme of recording and monitoring of the condition the City Wall and the steps leading to the City Wall walkway, in advance of remedial works. Both cartographic and documentary sources indicate that the steps on both the west and east sides of the North Gate date to the early nineteenth century and were probably built as part of, or shortly after, Harrison's re-building of the North Gate in 1808-1810. Cartographic (1875 Ordnance Survey plan) and pictorial evidence (McGahey, 1855) also demonstrates that a pair of cottages was erected against the inner face of the City Wall by the City Council. Following demolition of the cottages in 1877 by the Improvement Committee, the City Wall was widened, removing or concealing evidence for the floors or roof of the cottages. The widening included the construction of the open chamber and large arched doorway recorded by the 2012 investigations. The arched doorway was probably blocked in the early 20th century, resulting in the present appearance of the wall. (1)