Monument record 9065 - Saxon Occupation Layer (Dark Earth Layer) and Former Fortress Baths Collapse

A 250mm thick layer of ‘dark earth’, containing quantities of plaster, animal remains and patches of charcoal, was recorded by the 1964 excavations as being over the tepidarium floor of the former Roman fortress baths. This layer, suggesting extensive occupation after the beginning of the fifth century, was itself buried by the collapsed roof of the former baths (1). That this deposit could build up while the roof was still in place demonstrates how long certain substantial Roman buildings survived in the city long after the army had left (1). The excavators suggested that it was the eleventh century before the building became entirely unusable, and the next archaeological event to occur at this location were a series of medieval robber trenches.

<1> Mason, D. J. P., 2005, Exacavations at Chester: The Roman fortress baths, excavations and recording 1732-1998, p83 (Monograph). SCH6157.