Site Event/Activity record ECH6574 - Archaeological Watching Brief Report: 62-66 Boughton, Chester

An archaeological watching brief was carried out in 2018 during groundworks for a two storey dwelling at 62-66 (Beaconsfield Street) Boughton, Chester. Works observed included removal of the tarmac surface and excavation of the footings. A maximum depth of 0.65m was achieved, with the natural clay loam encountered at an average depth of 0.6m. Roman remains have been identified to the north of the site, so there was the potential for archaeological deposits to exist. Historic mapping demonstrates that the site has been open gardens for the last couple of centuries. Minimal archaeology was identified, although a collection of Roman ceramic building material, including fragments of roof tile, was recovered from a layer interpreted as a relic agricultural soil. This layer was identified across the site but was only disturbed by the deeper groundworks. The occurrence of Roman roof tile fragments would suggest debris from at least one well appointed Roman building in the general vicinity. (1)