Monument record 8645 - Roman wall at the Odeon, Building D2 (retentura insula XXV)

Insula XXV is located south of the large barrack blocks at the northern end of the fortress and north of the large courtyard building in the centre. With limited archaeological investigation, previous plans of the fortress at Chester have not been able to postulate a plan for this area, however the results of recent investigations have provided more information. The evidence suggests two buildings; the western building (CHER 8645) was limited to traces of wall and floor features. An alley (CHER 8644) comprised a cobbled surface with a possible kerbing separated the two structures, while the second building to the east (CHER 8510) comprised several features from the 2013 investigations at the Odeon as well as earlier discoveries made at Foliott House in the 1950s.

The evidence for Building D2 is limited; a single wall foundation was recorded in test pit 30. As no dating evidence was recovered the stratigraphic sequence can only indicate a date of medieval or earlier. Two parallel linear slots were also recorded in test pit 5b that may represent internal wall features.

<1> L-P Archaeology, 2013, Archaeological Evaluation Report Odeon Theatre, Chester, R3484 (Client Report). SCH7170.