Monument record 9025 - Possible Saxon Building (Post Holes), Goss Street North

During small-scale excavations at the north end of Goss St. in 1973, immediately overlying the demolition rubble of the parts of Roman buildings at this location, was a group of nine, possibly ten post holes of Saxon period date (3). Their diameter varied between 0.1m and 0.4m, only one contained packing stones, and each was relatively shallow. They formed a gentle arc, rather than a straight line. If they had formed a circle, it would have been about 22m in diameter, but as it would then impact the area where what would have then been the substantial remains of the former Principa, the excavators suggested that a circular form for this structure unlikely (3). It is possible that they represent a building of uncertain form, or a substantial fence line (3).

<1> multiple authors, 1974, Excavation Reports and Summaries Sites Observed, 2/15-16 McPeake J 1974 (Article in Journal). SCH5790.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/287 Thacker A 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<3> Ward, S. W., 1994, Saxon Occupation within the Roman Fortress: Sites Excavated, 1971-81 (Archaeological Service Excavation & Survey Reports) (Monograph). SCH5486.

<4> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1973, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6228.