Monument record 8106 - Roman Quarry, The Groves and Souter’s Lane

<1> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2007, Proposed redevelopment at the Junction of The Groves and Souters' Lane, Chester - An Evaluation, R2757 (Client Report). SCH4877.

A relatively large sandstone quarry was identified during an archaeological evaluation at the corner of The Groves and Souter’s Lane, Chester, in 2007. The results from Trenches 2, 4 and 5 combined to produce clear evidence of massive disturbance during the Roman period. This disturbance was almost certainly due to the quarrying of sandstone building material for construction within the fortress and its associated settlement.

The results from Trench 4 suggest that this quarry basin may have been open to the River Dee. Trench 2 demonstrated that the depth of the quarry in this location extends to c2m from modern ground level, within Trenches 4 and 5 the full depth could not be ascertained, but fragments of mortar and cut blocks were noted to a depth in excess of 2.5m below ground level.

<2> multiple authors, 1983, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, No.9 p.53 (Article in Journal). SCH5810.

Redevelopment of the area previously known as Bithels Boat Yard during the early months of 1983 allowed for some archaeological investigation by the Grosvenor Museum Excavations Section (1). Before construction, the ground level was excavated down to that of the Groves, and this removal exposed a quarry face on the west side that follows the contours of the city wall and tower. Bedrock was visible at Groves level in the northern half of the site.