Monument record 8495 - Roman 'military hiatus' layer at Goss Street

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.

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)

The floor levels appeared to represent several phases of debris accumulation and pit digging alternating with make-up layers indicating a prolonged period of heavy use. A probable urinal was also recorded in one room towards the centre of the barrack building complete with a basic filter or soakaway in the corner. This feature may have belonged to the first phase of stone construction in the early to mid second century but was partly covered by a later wall possibly representing a second phase of stone reconstruction. (1) Further evidence of use as a latrine was encountered in 1973 when successive groups of latrine and/or refuse pits were recorded in all four excavated rooms. It was suggested at the time that the barrack was used as a latrine block during the ‘second century military hiatus’ that affected much of the fortress. (2)

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.