Monument record 10970/5/0 - Tilston's Yard, Chester Port

Archaeological investigations in the yard in 2004 identified the remains of the former 19th century wharf and the 20th century boat yard to the north of Dee Lock.

The earliest evidence for the wharf itself appears to date to the early 19th century when a small stone lined wharf wall was built over the stone revetment wall of the flood defences. The wall curved slightly, following the line of a former inlet (CHER 10970/2/9). The stone surface of the wharf was constructed using roughly cut sandstone blocks, rather crudely laid, and embedded into the alluvial silt. The wharf continues in use throughout much of the 19th century after which it was infilled by a series of dumped layers The next feature of the wharf was built in the southern part of the site of a consists of a single post hole and clay surface, possibly representing an early structure. (4)

The 19th century wharf was subsequently replaced by Tilston’s boat yard in the 20th century. This was a builders and joiners yard to the north of the Dee Lock. It comprised an irregular arrangement of corrugated iron and timber walls. (1) The earliest features of the boat yard consisted of a contiguous group of three timber framed boat sheds (CHER 10970/5/1) with later extensions across almost the entire yard area throughout the 20th century. (4)

<1> Matrix Archaeology, 2000, River Wall Restoration, Old Port, Chester: Archaeological Assessment and Watching Brief (Interim Report), R3160 Gaz 47 (Client Report). SCH6255.

<2> Gifford and Partners, 2004, Tilston's Yard. A Record of the Building of William Tilston Ltd. Chester, R2503 (Client Report). SCH4528.

<3> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2001, Proposed Residential Redevelopment at New Crane Street, Chester: Rapid Appraisal of Upstanding Buildings, R3136 (Client Report). SCH6243.

<4> Nash G, Owen P & Martin G, 2008, Archaeological investigations at Tilston's Yard, New Crane Street, Chester (Article in Journal). SCH6100.