Monument record 8555 - Late Roman structure at Bridge Street

Archaeological investigation at 44-52 Bridge Street (formerly the Owen Owen store) recorded evidence for the survival of important and deeply stratified archaeological deposits. Although the bulk of the site noted significant modern disturbance, the excavation of a lift shaft recorded remains from the Roman through to the modern period.

The second phase of activity on the site possibly dates to the third century and represents a probable stone structure of undetermined form and function. A single stretch of sandstone wall foundation on a north-south alignment parallel to Bridge Street was recorded along with a chamfered ‘on end’ sandstone possibly representing the remains of an arched opening such as a doorway or window. A sandstone brash surface was also recorded to the east of the wall although it is uncertain whether this was an exterior or interior surface.

During the life of this Roman structure a shallow pit feature was cut into the sandstone brash surface against the east face of the wall with a fill consisting of a silty clay earth containing sandstone fragments and possible decayed bone fragments while a second cut feature may represent a post hole. Given the small scale nature of the excavation area, it is difficult to understand the form and function of this structure however (1).

<1> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 1999, Alterations and Refurbishment at the Former Owen Owen Store, 44 - 52 Bridge Street, Chester, R2804 (Client Report). SCH5020.