Monument record 9077 - Sub Roman Remains, Odeon Cinema

A possible phase of very late or sub-Roman activity was identified in several test pits. The strongest evidence for this came from TP10 where a sandstone structure was identified sitting above a Roman road surface. The eastern edge of this structure was identified, where it had a well-defined edge aligned north-south. This structure has been interpreted as a possible house platform of a tradition identified at Wroxeter during the fifth and sixth centuries. To the east of this was a lightly metalled surface that overlay a substantial Roman building foundation. Both these features were identified again in TP9 to the north. Their placement shows a change in layout from the earlier fortress plan (1).

To the east, a sandstone structure identified in TP22 could alternatively represent a second rubble platform (1).

This phase of activity seems to be sandwiched between the datable Roman and medieval stratigraphy. This activity has been ascribed to the 'sub-Roman' period but could represent activity that took place anytime between the fourth and twelfth century. In the most part the activity is comprised of stone robbing trenches and deep deposits of soil that are rich in Roman CBM and residual artifacts; these trenches and deposits have been associated with the collapse and quarrying of the earlier Roman buildings. Stone robbing trenches were identified in TP5, 7, 9, 33. Demolition deposits were identified in TP 7, 11, 14, 15, 33 (1).

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