Site Event/Activity record ECH7395 - Archaeological Excavation: City Place, Charterhall Drive, Chester (Plots 8 and 9)

Archaeological investigation in 2024 at City Place, Charterhall Drive, Chester, the site of the eastern extent of the former Chester Leadworks, more latterly a car park, prior to re-development of the site for residential purposes. Due to the historical significance of the leadworks, in particular the Shot Tower, and the importance of Chester as a major producer of lead during the Industrial Period, archaeological investigation was deemed necessary across the entirety of the development area. Historical maps, supported by aerial photography, depict the development of the leadworks across the site. The excavation uncovered the structural remains of the former Chester Leadworks across the entirety of the development area. Concrete surfaces represented the most recent phase of the leadworks in the 20th century. Potential locations for the Bag Filter Room and Cornell plant were revealed via two square brick-built structures in the north-western corner of site, which also housed a large circular steel plate likely associated with a mid-19th century fireplace. A probable acid tank suggested the location of the Acid House along the northern boundary, however this also prevented further excavation to the west as a result, due to possible contaminants. Fittings within the concrete in the centre of site potentially marked the location of the Assay Room. To the east, a railway was observed extending from north to south with two railway lines, an adjoining concrete loading platform and ramp to the east of the rail line. Beneath this were two north-south aligned parallel walls representing the foundations of the De-silvering Refinery. East to west running flue and chimney systems were observed including a flue connected to a square brick chimney beneath the De-silverising Refinery and an S-shaped flue which skirted a large brick and concrete built platform. Brick-built footbridges across an open topped flue suggested the existence of a potential furnace. Although the correlation between the remains of the structural layout revealed during excavation and the buildings marked on historic maps appeared accurate, the attribution of functional zones proved difficult due to a lack of material evidence. Additionally, high levels of contaminates prevented investigation across large parts of the site specifically to the west and south-east. (1)