Monument record 9064 - Possible Post-Roman / Saxon Rubbish Deposits (Dark Earth Layer), Northgate Street

During excavations in the Northgate St. area between 1984 and 1985, focused on the recording of the substantial Roman remains at this location (including the Principia, CHER 8314), some evidence of post-Roman activity was also identified (1). Following the abandonment of the Roman building, an accumulation of soil, thought to have occurred during the fourth century and / or later, occurred (1). According to the excavators: 'for a considerable but indeterminable time afterwards, a deposit of dark earth accumulated in the compound. In addition to the late fourth century material this deposit contained a large quantity of discarded animal bones and appears to have been the product of dumping of organic refuse over a very long time, probably well beyond the end of the fourth century' (1). Evidence of tenth century stone-robbing activities and a possible late Saxon paved area (CHER 9063) followed this horizon.

<1> 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.

<2> multiple authors, 1984/85, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed (Article in Journal). SCH5812.