Monument record 8151 - Roman building at St Martin's Lodge

Archaeological investigations at St Martin's Lodge to the west of St Martin's Way have recorded evidence of a probable Roman structure. Although the evidence was limited by the small scale of the archaeological intervention, it is suggested that there may have been two phases of structural activity comprising an early timber phase represented by a timber post hole and a later stone phase represented by a possible wall foundation trench.

The earliest activity on the site comprised a single wall foundation trench cut into the natural soil representing the stone phase of construction. Faint traces of a timber structure are indicated by a single post hole on the site adjacent to the wall foundation. The stone was later robbed out of the foundation trench and it was covered by what appeared to be a deliberate demolition layer containing large quantities of ceramic building material and pottery from the third to fourth century. (1)

<1> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2011, Proposed redevelopment at St Martin's Lodge, Nicholas Street, Chester: An Archaeological Evaluation, p33 (Client Report). SCH6648.