Site Event/Activity record ECH6639 - Chester Racecourse Masterplan 2018: Deposit Modelling (Archaeology)

Following on from an initial desk-based assessment (ECH6623), a further desk-based study has been produced (2018) in support of proposed re-development at Chester Racecourse, to the west of the Watergate Arch along the area bordered on the north side by New Crane Street together with the adjacent land west of the railway viaduct bordered by Saddlery Way, Kitchen Street and New Crane Street. This report focuses on the potential impact of the proposed development on sub-surface archaeological assets, and is an attempt to create an archaeological deposit model using multi-factorial, proxy data. The crux of the matter is the uncertainty over the sedimentary sequence and the presence/absence of palaeochannels which make some theories on the nature and significance of the archaeological remains, such as the proposed Roman jetty, and the extent of the Roman and medieval harbour installations, more or less likely. This crux is associated with what towards the end of the second millennium was identified as a ‘problem’ - namely the course of the River Dee at Chester (Ward 1996, 40) and how the populations of Chester responded to the meandering course of the river and sought to exploit the communication route and commercial artery it represented. The deposit model has been advanced by means of examination of archaeological and geotechnical data dating from the late 19th century through to the second decade of the 21st century. Specific aims of the study included:- 1. To illuminate the development of the sedimentary sequence in the Roodee area, with specific reference to palaeochannels. 2. Estimate the extent and scale of recent disturbance across the Site of the proposed development, with particular reference to cellaring and the effect on the upper deposits in the sedimentary sequence. 3. Focus consideration for the potential of archaeological remains to be present within the site to be of national significance. 4. Identify the type of foundation that will be used for the proposed development and assess the impact of foundation construction in the light of information gained from addressing the above three objectives. (1)