Monument record 8554 - Late Roman burnt layer at Bridge Street

Evidence of a burnt layer was recorded during construction work in 1899 consisting of large quantities of charcoal and burnt timber suggesting the building was destroyed by fire. Coins recovered from the burnt layer included a several Constantines (AD306-337). (3)

A number of archaeological finds and feature have been recorded on the site of No 30 Bridge Street, formerly the Grotto and Harp & Crown Inns, since the 19th century. Following the demolition of the inn in 1899 a number of archaeological features of possible Roman date were identified and subsequently re-examined in 1906. More recently in 1988 further work was carried out that suggested at least three phases of Roman occupation beginning with an early timber phase structure replaced in stone in the second century (CHER 8155). This was followed by an early third century stone building (CHER 8553) on a different scale that appears to have been destroyed by fire. (5)

<1> Taylor H., 1901, Recorded remains from Chester, p96 (Article in Journal). SCH6518.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p160 (Book). SCH3556.

<3> Anon, 1907, Miscellanea, p139 (Article in Journal). SCH5552.

<4> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No 36 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<5> Grosvenor Museum, 1988, Grosvenor Museum Excavation section: Current Activities & Upcoming Sites (Unpublished Report). SCH6282.

<6> Shotter, D C A, 2010, Roman coins from North West England (Third Edition), p126 (Book). SCH6864.