Site Event/Activity record ECH5942 - Archaeological Mitigation at Chester Castle for English Heritage

Archaeological excavation for a new service trench for an electrical supply for the Agricola Tower was undertaken on behalf of English Heritage. Trench was hand excavated. The excavation extended from the Agricola Tower in the inner ward, through the 19th century gated entrance , to an exisiting inspection hatch within the castle carpark. Within the inner ward, all excavation was carried out within 20th century service fills, which had previously exposed four medieval walls. These were aligned north-south and were of substantial sandstone construction. Their location and form suggest they represent structural elements of north western and eastern medieval gate towers. The walls can be seen to survive from 0.3m below the current ground level. The results of the excavation suggest that, although there is disturbance due to services, it is likely there is sub-surface survival of structures associated with the Medieval castle in discrete areas across the site.