Site Event/Activity record ECH5634 - Evaluation of the City Walls at the North Gate Steps, Chester in 2012

In November 2012, archaeological investigations were undertaken at Northgate Steps, west of the North Gate, in advance of remedial works. Six trenches were excavated in order to assess the character, significance and date of the deposits and structural remains. A watching brief was also maintained during the limited and controlled removal of masonry from the north and south elevations to the City Walls. The results of the evaluation demonstrated that the city walls including the steps structure, incorporate several complex structural phases and features. Amongst these was a blocked doorway and chamber (trenches 1 and 2, Area 1) that, through documentary research, has been shown to date to the late nineteenth century. The findings demonstrated that the separation of the steps from the south face of the city walls was a historic issue. Evidence for the first century AD earthen rampart of the legionary fortress was recorded in two small trial pits (trenches 5 and 6 in Area 3) excavated at the base of the steps structure. (1) The 2012 investigations led to further documentary research and discussion of results in a report of 2013. (2)