Monument record 8598 - Second century ploughsoil at the Leadworks

Archaeological investigations at the Leadworks in 2003 encountered evidence of Roman activity across the site. An earlier excavation in 2002 encountered a ditch or linear feature in the area of the former leadstacks building (CHER 8124).

On this occasion, evidence of Roman agricultural activity was encountered in area one of the site comprising a second century agricultural deposit along with evidence of an earlier river course. Area one was located to the west of the site, adjacent to the canal (the present Shot Tower Close).

The earliest evidence consisted of a mid bluish grey waterlogged silt [context 2008] in area 1 containing oyster shell, and fibrous amorphous lenses of charcoal. The deposit ran 75m east from the Leadworks Lane entrance and was approximately 1m wide. Although no datable evidence was recovered, it was sealed by a subsequent plough soil of a second century date [context 2006]. (1)

The plough soil was approximately 0.80m and contained fragments of second century pottery. Plough marks on a NNW-SSE and a north-south alignment were encountered cutting the cultivation soil above an iron panned plough scar. A ditch was also encountered cutting the plough soil to the east of the site measuring 1.17m in length, 1.20m wide and 0.28m deep. Imbrex roof tile and fire cracked stone was recovered from its fill.

<1> L - P Archaeology, 2003, Watching brief report on land at the Leadworks, Chester, R3222 (Client Report). SCH6568.