Monument record 8285/1 - Roman east-west alley at Crook Street

Traces of a narrow alley approximately 2.95m wide separating the barrack block (CHER 8188) from the centurion’s house (CHER 8499) was recorded during archaeological investigations at Crook Street in 1973. During the later phases of activity following the demolition of the timber phase buildings the alley-way remained relatively clear indicating it remained open and in use. (1)

Following the demolition of the timber buildings the alley was levelled up with sand ballast and re-surfaced with crushed sandstone. During the military hiatus period of the mid second century, pitting also occurred in this alley cutting into previously worn surfaces and at some stage an amphora urinal was set against the south wall of the barrack block. (1)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1973, Excavation records for Crook Street, Chester (Unpublished Report). SCH6617.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1911-Present, Journal of Roman Studies, Vol 54 p156 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1519.

<3> Strickland, T.J., 1978, The Fortress in the Second and Third Centuries (Article in Journal). SCH6312.

<4> multiple authors, 1974, Excavation Reports and Summaries Sites Observed, p16-17 (Article in Journal). SCH5790.

<5> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, no.551 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.

<6> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p153-4 (Book). SCH3556.

<7> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, Vol 6 p240 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.