Monument record 8510 - Roman features at Folliot House, Building D1 (retentura insula XXV)

Traces of a Roman structure were recorded during archaeological investigations by Mr Petch at Foliott House in 1955. The evidence comprised a single wall of undressed sandstone on an east-west alignment in trench 1. The wall appeared to be an external wall some distance from the south end of a barrack block (CHER 8176). Several accumulation layers were recorded to the north however it was not possible to explore the area to the south of the wall. (1)

Archaeological investigations at the Odeon Cinema in 2013 identified the remains a probable Roman structure at the north end of the site. (6)

The evidence comprised a substantial sandstone wall foundation [context 1006] in test pit 10 on a probable north-south alignment. West of this wall an external cobbled surface (CHER 8644). A wall construction trench in test pit 9 [context 911] was also believed to be a continuation of that recorded in test pit 10. Further evidence of a substantial Roman structure in this area was also recorded in test pits 11 and 14 where substantial quantities of late Roman ceramic building material was recovered, tentatively interpreted as a demolition layer.(6)

The evidence was interpreted as the remains of a substantial and well appointed Roman structure between the courtyard building to the south (CHER 8312) and the barrack blocks to the north. Roman features from this area have only been occasionally recorded due to limited development in the area. (6)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1955, Folliot House Site Record (Unpublished Report). SCH6565.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1911-Present, Journal of Roman Studies, Vol 46 p125 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1519.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p151 & 163 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> Thompson, F.H., 1964, A History of Cheshire. Volume Two: Roman Cheshire, p34 (Book). SCH2862.

<5> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2005, Proposed Redevelopment on Land to the Rear of 49 Northgate Street, Chester; An Archaeological Evaluation., R2581 (Client Report). SCH4713.

<6> L-P Archaeology, 2013, Archaeological Evaluation Report Odeon Theatre, Chester, R3484 (Client Report). SCH7170.