Monument record 844/1/25 - Roman Road - Tarvin Sands (Chester - Manchester Route 7a)

Plans to create a picnic site on N side of A54(T) at Tarvin Sands involved the development of a field through which the Roman road from Chester to Manchester was thought to pass. Excn Jan - Feb 1989 of 2 trenches. Trench A revealed well preserved cambered road surface 7.25m wide, of small pebbles set in clay. A localized repair was made to the surface using sand & large cobbles, producing a loose, uneven surface. Limited width of repair could reflect a narrowing of carriageway seeing regular use. Carriageway then covered by layer of gray silt. Trench B - narrow stone drain of roughly dressed sandstone at one side of road. Sides formed of stones set on edge, whilst larger slabs served as capstones. Channel 12-14cm wide. Laying of drain followed by construction of agger, 14m wide at base. Top formed cambered clay surface 9m wide into which cobbles were set. Surface badly damaged by later ploughing. No Roman finds (1).

<1> Jones H E, 1989, Excavation of a Roman Road at Tarvin Sands, Cheshire (Report). SCH1181.