Monument record 8130 - Potential Roman Pits / Features, Rear of 49 - 57 Foregate Street

Arrowcroft & Canalside Development Scheme Areas. Between November 1977 and February 1978 a series of 18 trial trenches were mechanically excavated under archaeological supervision. Results suggest that Roman vicus occupation was largely confined to the Foregate St. frontage. Seems likely that much of the northeast part of the area was a marsh (1).

At the rear of 49 - 57 Foregate St., trial excavation produced a few fragments of Roman roof tile, animal bones and pottery of mid second century (CHER 8030/42). These and associated pits (this monument) may indicate occupation on the nearby Foregate St. frontage (2). Although the available published information relating to this site is very limited, it was said that the pits may indicate Roman occupation on the nearby Foregate St. frontage, in an area that was otherwise marshland (2). Waterlogged wood was taken from the Roman horizon for sampling (5).

<1> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 6/61-62 Strickland T J 1978 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<2> multiple authors, 1978/79, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, 9/430 Frere S S 1978 (Article in Journal). SCH5801.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/169 Petch D F 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> Watson, J. & Hillam J, 1980, Identification of waterlogged wood from Chester, Arrowcroft Scheme (Unpublished Report). SCH6950.