Monument record 8312 - Roman Courtyard Building Insula 16 (Latera praetorii central)

The structure itself occupies a substantial area with excavation over the years indicating it measured 65m wide by 157m long. The overall plan comprises four narrow ranges beginning with the north range investigated in 1935 & again in 1981 (CHER 8312/1), the west range investigated in 1968 and 1981 (CHER 8312/2), the west range including the main entrance in the building investigated in 1968-9 (CHER 8312/3) and the east range recorded over several small scale archaeological works along Northgate Street in the 1980s (CHER 8312/4). The main entrance on the eastern range opened out into a colonnaded portico (CHER 8312/10) along the southern range facing the street and the adjacent headquarters building. The ranges enclosed a large courtyard area (CHER 8312/9) within with two parallel colonnaded porticos ran on a north-south alignment (CHER 8312/6 & 8312/7) either side of at least two central structures – one to the southern end (CHER 8312/5) and one towards the centre (CHER 8312/8).

Dating evidence for this structure was minimal, however six potential phases of activity could be identified. The earliest phase of activity comprised traces of a timber framed structure recorded in the west range dated to the late first to early second century. This was followed by an early stone phase of construction that may or may not have been completed.

Mason suggests that the complex was rebuilt in the third century AD following a period of limited activity attributed to the 'military hiatus' period in the second century. Although the evidence clearly indicates activity throughout the period, it is not characteristic of military activity and it has been suggested that it represents a period when the 20th legion was largely based in the north of England.

By the late second century work on the stone building was continued with new foundation cuts recorded and it is at this point that the building appears to have been finished. The building then appears to have undergone significant rebuilding in the early third century with further alterations in the early fourth century including a period of re-roofing. Activity is then recorded late into the fourth century with no clear date for the end of Roman activity. (2)

<1> Newstead, R (Prof.), 1939, Records of Archaeological Finds II-V (Article in Journal). SCH5702.

<2> Strickland, T.J., 1983, Chester: Excavations in the Princess Street / Hunter Street Area, 1978-1982. A First Report on Discoveries of the Roman Period (Article in Journal). SCH5815.

<3> Mason, D. J. P., 2001, Roman Chester: City of the Eagles, p73 (Book). SCH6164.

<4> Petch D.F, 1968, The Praetorium at Deva (Article in Journal). SCH5889.

<5> Petch D.F, 1970-71, Excavations on the site of the Old Market Hall, Chester, second summary report. 1968-70 (Article in Journal). SCH5898.

<6> Gifford and Partners, 2007, Coach and Horses: Report on Archaeological Mitigation Works, R3015 (Client Report). SCH5367.

<7> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p142 (Book). SCH3556.

<8> Balfour Beatty, 2012, Chester City Centre, Cheshire Gas Improvement Works, R3321 (Client Report). SCH6784.

<9> Thompson Watkin W. T., 1886, Roman Cheshire: A Description of Roman Remains in the County of Chester, p129 (Book). SCH2878.

<10> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No 10 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<11> Stukeley, W., 1724, Iter Boreale, p33 (Book). SCH1489.

<12> multiple authors, 1974, Excavation Reports and Summaries Sites Observed, p18 (Article in Journal). SCH5790.

<13> Mason, D. J. P., 2001, Roman Chester: City of the Eagles, p155 (Book). SCH6164.