Monument record 8394 - Roman structural evidence from Godstall Lane

A concrete floor was recorded during construction work on the west side of Godstall Lane (then the premises Messrs George Dutton & Son) in 1898-99. Recorded some 2.4m to the east of an apsidal structure (CHER 8379/2) and extending a further 4.5m at least as far as Godstall Lane the floor comprised of roof tile and mortar but presented a somewhat uneven surface. Several bronze objects were recorded directly on top of the floor and it was suggested this was the floor of a bonze workers shop. One, a bronze strip, enamelled with green and red letters - VTERE FELIX - 'Use this and be prosperous', probably a good luck charm. RIB ii 2429.15 (7)

Traces of a second floor of herringbone brick style was also recorded slightly to the west of the concrete floor. (6)

<1> Haverfield, F, 1900, Catalogue of the Roman Sculptured stones in the Grosvenor Museum, No 188 (Article in Journal). SCH5530.

<2> Taylor H., 1901, Recorded remains from Chester, p93-94 (Article in Journal). SCH6518.

<3> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No 20 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<4> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p161-162 (Book). SCH3556.

<5> Society of Antiquaries, 1849-1920, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries, 18/93-6 (Book). SCH2738.

<6> Newstead, R (Prof.), 1902, A Descriptive Account of Roman and Other Objects from Various Sites in Chester and District, 1898-1901, p82 (Article in Journal). SCH5946.

<7> Collingwood R G & Wright R P, 1991, The Roman Inscriptions of Britain Vol 2: Fascicule 3, 2429.15 (Monograph). SCH6719.

<8> Matthews K J, 1995, Excavations at Chester The Evolution of the Heart of the City 3-15 Eastgate Street (Monograph). SCH6151.