Monument record 8568 - Second Century Structural Remains and Hearths, 49 - 51 Lower Bridge Street (Hotel Romano)

Archaeological investigations carried out in two phases to the rear of 49-51 Lower Bridge Street in 1990 identified a complex series of phases from the Roman through to the post medieval period. The results of an initial evaluation (ECH 3581) provided extensive evidence of Roman activity (1), however subsequent excavations (ECH5367) carried out identified additional features.

Unfortunately the excavations remain unpublished and information is limited, the phased activity at the site was produced by subsequent examination of the primary archive, available in a desk-based assessment (2). Phase 3 was represented by two second century hearths and a structural slot, and these had followed first century features (CHER 8567). No other information on the nature of these remains is available.

It has been suggested that the hearths may have been used for lead working (3)

<1> Chester City Council, 1990, 49-51 Lower Bridge Street, Chester (Maison Romano Hotel): an Archaeological Evaluation, r2085 (Client Report). SCH6203.

<2> Cambrian Archaeological Projects Ltd, 2000, St Olave Street, Chester: Archaeological desk top study and evaluation excavations, r3118 (Client Report). SCH6186.

<3> Frere S, Hassall M & Tomlin R, 1992, Roman Britain in 1991 (Article in Journal). SCH7185.