Monument record 9040 - Evidence of Saxon Stone Robbing and Activities (Dark Earth Layer), Crook Street

During excavations on the east side of Crook St. in 1990, evidence of post-Roman stone robbing, and other possible activities resulting in the accumulation of a so-called 'dark earth' layer, during the Saxon period were recorded (1). The stratigraphic evidence suggests that following the abandonment of the Roman building at this location, the building fell into a period of decay and collapse; but through the debris were pits excavated to rob the stone from the Roman structures (1). On the southern side of the site, where deposits were least disturbed by later activities, an accumulation of 'dark earth', or an organic-rich sediment that might indicate agricultural or pastoral activities occurred over the Roman structures, and this accumulation appeared to post-date the stone-robbing events (1). Only 'a few' sherds of Chester ware were found residually in later disturbed contexts.

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1990, Excavation records for Crook Street, Chester (Unpublished Report). SCH6616.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 2000, Chester Northgate Development Site; archaeological audit., possibly remove, check (Client Report). SCH4810.