Monument record 9049 - Saxon Soil Horizon (Dark Earth Layer), South Commonhall Street, Pierpoint Lane

A so-called ‘dark earth layer’ was identified in the northern part of the site represented by ECH5074 during excavations there in 1993 (3). At some time after the Roman building at this location was levelled or collapsed, a considerable build-up of soil, the so-called dark earth, occurred over the north part of the building (3). Although the excavators did not comment on this, it may represent a cultivation or pastoral layer, if it was similar to other deposits of this kind elsewhere in Chester.

<1> Nenk B. Margeson S & Hurley M, 1994, Medieval Britain and Ireland in 1993 (Article in Journal). SCH5639.

<2> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 1994, Annual Review 1993-1994 (Newsletter). SCH6050.

<3> Ward, S. W., 1993, Deva Roman Experience, Chester: Summary of Excavations, July 1993 (Unpublished Report). SCH6694.

<4> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 1993, Annual Review 1992-1993 (Newsletter). SCH6049.