Site Event/Activity record ECH6638 - Land to the Rear of Volunteer Street, Chester, Cheshire: An Archaeological Watching Brief

Earthworks Archaeology was commissioned by Blueoak Estates Ltd. To undertake an archaeological watching brief during groundworks associated with the residential development of land to the rear of Volunteer Street, Chester, Cheshire (centring on NGR SJ 40669 66061). Previous archaeological investigations had demonstrated that, particularly towards the south-east corner of the site, thick soil deposits of post-medieval date formed a protective layer over more significant and earlier archaeological features. Within the east half of the site, significant ground disturbance was proven to have occurred through the construction of subterranean structures dated to the Second World War. The archaeology recorded during the watching brief can be considered to consist of three elements: the deep post-medieval soil deposits; the remains of foundations relating to two prior brick structures, both of probable 19th- or early 20th century date; and two subterranean structures constructed during the mid-20th century. Whereas information relating to the former two elements was somewhat limited by the nature of the project, it was perhaps information pertaining to the latter element that proved most fruitful. A record was made of the subterranean structures as these became exposed. Elsewhere, the resulting impact of the development was proven to have had little impact upon any significant archaeological deposits. (1)