Site Event/Activity record ECH6200 - Archaeological Watching Brief for The Cross, Chester

An archaeological watching brief was carried out on excavation works associated with switchgear replacement at the Cross, Chester. The Advisor to the Local Planning Authority requested an archaeological presence during groundworks as the site lies within an Area of Archaeological Importance. The works were carried out during February 2016 on behalf of Scottish Power Energy Networks and comprised hand excavation of two trenches to expose existing services to the south of St Peters Church and to the North of Chester Cross. The site lies within the extents of the Roman Legionary fortress of Deva close to the site of the Roman Headquarters building. Previous archaeological excavations on the site uncovered isolated islands of the archaeological deposits, which produced impressive finds. However, during these excavations no intact archaeological deposits were encountered. The excavations did reveal the foundations for St Peter's Church, allowing an opportunity to record them.