Monument record 8099 - Second Century Posts, Features and Gully, Duke Street (Old Drill Hall)

Excavation on site of the old Drill Hall, Duke St., when it was converted to residential accommodation in 1983. Earliest phase was represented by alignments of small postholes, probably indicating fences. These were replaced by a large pit with a thick clay lining, which was probably a well or cistern (1, 2).

A gulley immediately next to the pit became choked with rubbish, so the clay lining was extended over it to prevent it contaminating the pit. All these activities occurred within the second century. The pit was finally filled with demolition material (CHER 8100), and finds from this phase indicate that there were substantial structures in the vicinity (1).

<1> multiple authors, 1983, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, 9/50 Ward S 1983 (Article in Journal). SCH5810.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/173 Petch D F 1987 (Book). SCH3556.