Monument record 10970/4/0 - New Crane Wharf, Chester Port

First recorded on Hunter’s map of 1789 the new crane wharf consisted of the new crane, the TS Deva warehouse itself and a long rectangular structure against the road (1). By the OS Town plan of the late 19th century, the wharf actually contained two crane bases, both in use until 1911 at least, a slipway and three mooring posts. It also contained the harbour masters house (2)

Archaeological investigations in the area of the New Crane Wharf have recorded evidence of the early slipway in evaluation trenches in 1993 and 2000 as well as for the New Crane base itself between 2001 and 2005.

Investigations in 2005 consisted of monitoring of a single trench measuring 45m in length along the river bank at New Crane Wharf. The evidence from this phase of works identified the previously excavated new crane base as well as a large iron mooring ring to the north. (2)

<1> Matrix Archaeology, 2000, River Wall Restoration, Old Port, Chester: Archaeological Assessment and Watching Brief (Interim Report), R3160 Gaz 30; 32; 35; 36 (Client Report). SCH6255.

<2> L - P Archaeology, 2005, Archaeological Watching brief of land at Old Port, Chester, R2590 (Client Report). SCH4705.