Monument record 8119 - Third Century Drains, 14 – 18 Duke Street

Representing the latest identified phase of Roman activity at this particular site was the construction of a sewer or drain on a northeast – southwest alignment in the north-eastern corner, revealed during an archaeological evaluation at 14 – 18 Duke St., Chester, in 2002 (1). The feature was of a high quality construction with a base of reused Roman tile and walls constructed of well-dressed sandstone blocks bonded in mortar.

Drains or sewers of this calibre were being constructed inside the fortress during the first half of the third century as part of the Severan refurbishment, and a similar date seemed likely for this feature (according to the excavation report) (1). A second, similarly constructed feature just to the west, on a more north – south alignment. The base of the latter feature was made of stone slates (1).

<1> Gifford and Partners, 2002, Duke Street, Chester: Report on an archaeological Evaluation (Client Report). SCH6221.