Monument record 8187 - Early Roman building of the First Cohort (Goss Street east)

Archaeological investigations on the east side of Goss Street between 1948-9 and 1973 have identified evidence of a Roman structure interpreted as either a barrack block or a row of open fronted shops (tabernae). A series of phases have been suggested following the 1973 excavations consisting of early/pre fortress activity in the mid first century (phase 0). The first phase of definite Roman activity dates to the late first century and the primary timber phase construction of a long, narrow building on a north south alignment with a verandah to the east. The timber structure was subsequently rebuilt in stone (phase 2) using approximately the same dimensions and layout.

Evidence for a timber bedding slot on a north-south alignment and cut into the natural was recorded in trenches 1 and 2 of the excavation. The section recorded in trench 1 contained evidence of a crushed sandstone bedding with several counters and a melon bead while that recorded in trench 2 also noted a stone packed post hole cut into the crushed sandstone slot. The evidence suggests a half timber framed barrack on a stone sill foundation with upright posts mortared in place.

A floor level was also recorded in trench 2 comprising sand layer overlying the construction and levelling layer for the original foundation of the building. Dating evidence for this original layer was provided by the discovery of a freshly deposited sestertius dated to AD 72-3 while a dupondius of AD86 was recovered from the timber phase floor surface along with a quantity of first century pottery. (1)

Several possible beam slots were also identified in 1973 comprising evidence of two pairs of rooms (contubernia) however these were significantly truncated by subsequent stone construction. The area excavated lay towards the centre of the barracks and enabled the identification of at least two rooms with traces of a further two. Several floor surfaces were identified including a sand and clay composition, a clay surface and finally a sandstone brash surface. A series of post pits containing stone packing in the base was interpreted as the line of a veranda to the east of the barrack block suggesting it faced the principia (2)

The 1973 archaeological investigations also recorded traces of a thin layer of soil containing flecks of charcoal across the site of the structure indicative of the final demolition of the timber phase building and the burning of any remaining material in preparation of the construction of a new phase of building. (2)

Evidence for the veranda was recorded to the east of the stone barracks comprising a packed cobbled surface with a stone kerb to the east in trenches 1 and 2. Traces of a pit containing ash and slag suggest a temporary hearth cut into the veranda during repair to the structure. The wall foundations of the barracks themselves were recorded to the west of the veranda on an north south alignment comprising a new wall of hammer dress masonry with an ashlar face and grouted rubble core. Further traces of the stone barracks were recorded further south in trenches 4 and 8 where the southern external wall of the barracks was recorded. (1) Floor levels associated with the stone barracks were also recorded containing pottery and some window glass of a mid second century date.

Phase 3 saw significant changes to the form and function of the structure with the cutting of latrines and refuse pits in the internal floors indicative of a period of disuse. The number, scale and inter-relationships of these features indicate a prolonged period for this phase from perhaps 130AD to 230AD. It was suggested that this corresponded with the second century hiatus period seen elsewhere in Chester. (6)

Phase 4 consisted of a complete reconstruction of the structure following the same dimensions and layout in the mid third century. Some reorganisation of the internal layout of the building then occurred in phase 5 with a later insertion of internal floors of a higher quality than previously seen. (6)

<1> Richmond, I A and G Webster, 1951, Excavations at Goss Street, Chester, 1948-49 (Article in Journal). SCH5663.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 6/240 Wilson D R 1975 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<3> multiple authors, 1974, Excavation Reports and Summaries Sites Observed, p15-16 (Article in Journal). SCH5790.

<4> Petch A.J, 1978, The Major Buildings of the Fortress (Article in Journal). SCH6311.

<5> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p152-153 (Book). SCH3556.

<6> Chester Archaeology, 1973, Chester Archaeology Site Notes: Goss Street 1973 (Written Communication). SCH6663.