Monument record 8629 - Roman road at Tower Wharf

Archaeological investigations at Tower Wharf betweeen 2007 and 2008 encountered evidence of a Roman road surface on an east west alignment a short distance to the north of Wharf View.

<1> SLR Consulting Ltd, 2013, Tower Wharf, Chester: Archaeological mitigation report Phase 1 Infrastructure Works. Roman roadside occupation to Civil War fortification, R3444 (Client Report). SCH7070.

The evidence comprised a spread of compacted pebbles [2050] cut into the natural boulder clay that was interpreted as a shallow hollow way. The surface extended over a length of 14m with a width of 2.2m. A linear zone approximately 0.20m thick of depleted or compressed pebbles was identified interpreted as a wheel rut. Although truncated to the north by the Civil War ditch, a linear feature [2060] was recorded to the south. Approximately 1.9m wide and 0.8m deep, this feature was interpreted as a roadside ditch. Although dating evidence was limited, a few sherds of late first to early second century pottery was recovered from the ditch feature.

The road appeared to remain in use throughout the Roman period and indeed continued to be a prominent feature until the 17th century when the Civil War ditch was constructed along its northern boundary.