Monument record 8003 - Roman features at Dee Hills Park

The evidence comprised a series of linear features recorded during two phases of work in the northern part of the site south of the projected line of the Roman road. Preliminary evaluation work recorded evidence of a single ditch on a north-south alignment in one trench and two further ditches to the east, one on a north-south alignment and a connecting ditch on an east-west alignment. Dating evidence from the fill of the ditches suggested that they were cut some time in the mid to late first century and continued in use until the mid second century (1).

A subsequent watching brief on the footprint of the new North Block recorded several further linear features on a north-south alignment and appear to form part of system of boundary or drainage ditches. A number of finds of a late first to mid second century AD date were recovered from the fill of the ditches, however some pottery of a more general date range of second to fourth century AD were also recovered. Two pits were also recorded to the west of the linear system, one of which was interpreted as a post hole, however no associated dating evidence was forthcoming (2).

Evidence of a possible metal working site in the area was suggested by the presence of iron waste, nails and lead offcuts in the fill of east-west aligned ditch (1).

Substantial quantities of Roman ceramic building material was also recovered including tegulae, imbrex and brick, one fragment of which had some iron working waste adhering to it suggestive of a nearby structure perhaps related to iron working activity (1).

<1> Gifford and Partners, 2002, Dee Hills Park, Chester: Report on an archaeological evaluation (Client Report). SCH6537.

<2> Gifford and Partners, 2003, Dee Hills Park, Chester (CHE/DHP 02): Report on an Archaeological Watching Brief (Client Report). SCH6318.