Monument record 8387 - Roman Rubble Foundations and Plinth Stones, Eccleston Avenue

During the construction of Eccleston Avenue in June 1929, at a location approximately 7.6m east of Eaton Road, and prior to the discovery of a cremation burial at this same location (CHER 8385/4), an unusual stone, later identified as a plinth stone was found (1). While the plinth stone had been disturbed, a coarse rubble and cobble foundation, two feet thick and set into the clay subsoil. Just to the north of this foundation, but a few weeks after the first discovery, a second stone was identified in situ, above a rubble foundation (1).

It was suggested at the time that the rubble foundations supported a boundary wall, and the moulded stones projected from it at ground level may have served to divide the graves. Note, however, that dating evidence was recovered from deposits associated with this architecture.

<1> Anon, 1929, Miscellanea, Williams W J 1928 28/216-17 (Article in Journal). SCH5705.

<2> Newstead, R (Prof.), 1948, Records of Archaeological Finds VI, Newstead R 1946 36/124-6 (Article in Journal). SCH5761.

<3> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1911-Present, Journal of Roman Studies, Taylor M V & Collingwood R G 1929 19/192 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1519.

<4> Anon, 1932, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester, Lawson P H 1932 29/70/Nos.95-6 (Article in Journal). SCH5712.

<5> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/183 Petch D F 1987 (Book). SCH3556.