Site Event/Activity record ECH6868 - Archaeological Watching Brief Report: 22 City Walls, Chester

An Archaeological Watching Brief was carried out on emergency electrical repair works on the City Walls, adjacent to Dee Bridge and the River Dee, Chester. The Watching Brief was implemented because of the potential for archaeozoological remains and due to its protected status as a Scheduled Monument. Chester City Walls lie within the Chester Conservation Area, they are a Scheduled Monument and with this particular stretch being Grade 1 listed (1376172). This stretch of wall dates from the late 11th century and was converted into a raised promenade in 1702-1708, with further amendments in 1782. The objectives of the Watching Brief were to ensure no damage was done to the Monument, determine that works were undertaken in line with the Class 5 consent and to record any exposed archaeological remains. Excavation into the walls revealed a single sandy silty deposit identified as modern backfill, with inclusions of sandstone and brick rubble, the area of the fault was heavily truncated with a total of six services within a small area. This area was also contaminated with hydrocarbons from the damaged cable. Three fragments of clay tobacco stem and a single sherd of Post Medieval slip wear were recorded from within the deposit, but no in situ archaeology was encountered. (1)