Monument record 8610 - Roman agricultural remains at Chester Infirmary site

Possible evidence of Roman agricultural activity has been recorded on the site of the former Chester Infirmary from a number of archaeological investigations. An archaeological evaluation carried out in 1992 around the modern extent of the hospital recorded a number of gullies of a probable Roman date across the western half of the site(1) while more extensive excavations in 1998 following the demolition of the modern hospital extensions recorded a number of Roman features including several gullies and pits containing Roman artefacts (3).

The gullies were interpreted as possible boundaries for horticultural plots north east of the Roman cemetery. Dating evidence was limited however (4)

A small pit or post hole was also noted on the site containing fragments of Roman brick and tile however no associated features could be recorded nearby. (4)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1992, An Evaluation Excavation at Chester Royal Infirmary, March 1992, R2095 (Client Report). SCH4105.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1998, Dig News (Newsletter). SCH6353.

<3> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 1998, The Past Uncovered (Newsletter). SCH6019.

<4> Malcom Reid, 1998, Chester Royal Infirmary Archaeological Excavation 1998 (DRAFT) (Unpublished Report). SCH6699.