Monument record 8055 - Roman Timber Building on upper terrace, Callin Court (phase 1)

Archaeological investigations at the former Grey Friars Court (now called Callin Court) between 1976 and 1982 recorded evidence of Roman activity in the area. Three broad phases of activity were encountered in the southern (1976-1978) and northern (1981) parts of the site. The first phase of activity comprised a number of structures of an early second century AD date. Phase 2 comprised activity in the later part of the second century while phase 3 appeared to date to the late second and into the third century AD.

The upper terrace to the east saw several phases of construction beginning with a timber building (Structure 2) probably on an east-west alignment constructed in the early second century, contemporary with the stone building on the lower terrace (CHER 8054). Archaeological investigation in 1976-8 recorded several timber slots and post holes on a north-south alignment representing an alternating series of three rooms and two corridors (10) Although little survived of this structure above the post hole and slot foundations, a small fragment of white wall plaster was recorded in Room 1 (13). The building appears to be at least 12m wide with a gradual rise of 0.8m overall towards the east. Evidence of raised timber floors were also identified in several rooms while beneath the floor of Room 3 a human infant burial was recovered. (7)

Some evidence of internal alteration was recorded during the lifetime of this structure with the removal of internal walls and the infilling of several post holes (13). The demolition of this structure represents a discrete layer of material that also partially covered the stone building to the west and there appears to have been a short break in activity towards the end of phase 1.

<1> multiple authors, 1980/81, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, p60-61 (Article in Journal). SCH5806.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 9/430 Frere S S 1978 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p176 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> multiple authors, 1982, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, p36-7 (Article in Journal). SCH5808.

<5> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 13/353 Rankob N B 1982 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<6> Kelly D.B, 1965, Excavations at Watergate House, Chester, 1959 (Article in Journal). SCH5878.

<7> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1983, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6269.

<8> Mason, D. J. P., 1987, Chester: the Canabae Legionis (Article in Journal). SCH5623.

<9> Anon, 1978, March 1978: North West Newsletter. Excavations (Article in Journal). SCH5760.

<10> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1978, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6260.

<11> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1979, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6262.

<12> multiple authors, 1982, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed (Article in Journal). SCH5808.

<13> Ward, S. W., 2012, Greyfriars' Court 1976-8 and 1981 (Article in Monograph). SCH6581.