Monument record 1700/1/9 - Roman Road - Churton (Chester to Wroxeter Route 6a)

Roman road near Churton. Excn 1960 (SJ 430569) found the center of the agger a 12inch thick layer of rammed clay and gravel. Under this was a turf line 4inches thick. Sandstone blocks were also found and a posthole (1). Excn 1981 revealed 2 constructions. The line of the road was marked by a foundation layer at least 4.6m wide of sandstone rubble in clay, and a kerb of sandstone blocks on its western edge; while running parallel to the west was a much larger and more solid road with a surface of pebbles in a remarkable state of preservation, laid on top of a foundation layer of sandstone rubble 7.47m wide and 0.30m thick, which had bands of sand either side tentatively identified as bridle paths, chiefly for the cavalry. It is suggested that the less substantial road was the earlier, being superseded when Chester developed in importance and brought about an increase in traffic (2) & (5).

<1> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, Way M St J 1961 48/15-23 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 13/ Waddelove A C & E 1982 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<3> Margary, I. D., 1973, Roman Roads in Britain, /297 1973 (Book). SCH2903.

<4> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/217+229 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<5> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, Waddelove A C & E 1983 66/13-21 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.