Monument record 8553 - Late Roman stone building at 30 Bridge Street

A number of archaeological finds and feature have been recorded on the site of No 30 Bridge Street, formerly the Grotto and Harp & Crown Inns, since the 19th century. Following the demolition of the inn in 1899 a number of archaeological features of possible Roman date were identified and subsequently re-examined in 1906. More recently in 1988 further work was carried out that suggested at least three phases of Roman occupation beginning with an early timber phase structure replaced in stone in the second century (CHER 8155). This was followed by an early third century stone building on a different scale that appears to have been destroyed by fire.

The final phase of Roman occupation began with the demolition and redevelopment of the site in the early third century, the 1988 investigations recorded parts of the courtyard and the eastern portico of this phase of activity. The evidence was dated to the early third to late fourth century. Although this investigation was never published in full, the evidence recovered enhances the earlier structural evidence discovered in 1899 and suggests a different interpretation. (5)

In 1899, following the demolition of the Grotto Inn, evidence of a substantial Roman structure was recorded comprising a stylobate foundation wall on a north-south alignment with two column bases set into it, to the west a drain or eaves drip channel was recorded with a street or courtyard surface adjacent that probably belonged to this phase of activity. The foundation wall was located c.14m west of the street frontage and set on the natural bedrock. At least six courses of foundation masonry were identified standing to a height of c1.06m. The upper course comprised substantial slabs with a slight curve towards the west suggesting a west facing colonnade. West of the stylobate wall was a flagstone surface with a semi-circular groove or channel 20cm wide probably representing a rainwater channel. In 1899 a street surface was recorded to the west of the channel. (1)

The column bases were aligned north-south separated by a distance of 2.60m and were recorded at a depth of 1.06m below ground level. Traces of a second wall was recorded perpendicular to the northern column of the colonnade possibly to the east, however its relationship to the colonnade could not be examined in any detail. (1)

The associated finds from the 1899 construction work also recorded large quantities of charcoal and burnt timber suggesting the building was destroyed by fire. Coins recovered from the burnt layer included a several Constantines (AD306-337). Although the column bases were initially retained in situ, further work in 1906 required their removal to the Grosvenor Museum and the subsequent examination (3)

It has also been suggested that the colonnade recorded here may also relate to the earlier discovery of an east-west aligned colonnade from Commonhall Street in 1848 (CHER 8438), if so the street surface to the west is more likely to be an internal, open courtyard. (5)

<1> Taylor H., 1901, Recorded remains from Chester, p96 (Article in Journal). SCH6518.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p160 (Book). SCH3556.

<3> Anon, 1907, Miscellanea, p139 (Article in Journal). SCH5552.

<4> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No 36 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<5> Grosvenor Museum, 1988, Grosvenor Museum Excavation section: Current Activities & Upcoming Sites (Unpublished Report). SCH6282.