Monument record 8076 - Roman remains at Bedward Row

Excavations on the south-east corner of land occupied by Chester Royal Infirmary, immediately north of Bedward Row, identified a series of Roman deposits dating from the late first to late third century. The evidence, however, remains slight (1)

The earliest phase of activity dates to the early second century when a north-south aligned gully, an east-west aligned gully and several stake holes were identified. Although no clear relationship could be drawn between the features it is thought they represent an ephemeral timber structure in use from c.120 AD.(1)

At some time during the second century the gullies began to silt up and the site became used as a rubbish dump. Several pits and large spreads of rubbish were identified during the investigations. Although dating evidence was limited, it appears this phase lasted from the late second century into the early third century with at least three phases of rubbish dumping followed by a layer of deliberate deposition of silt and clean soil.(1)

The third phase of activity is characterised by a clay and sand surface spread representing a levelling layer over the rubbish and a substantial ditch on an east-west alignment cut into it. Three post holes were then identified in the clay surface indicating a timber building constructed there. While dating was again problematic, the evidence suggests the structure dates to the mid to late third century.(1)

The final phase of activity is represented by a layer of sandstone paving set down across the site. Although the finds from this phase were all residual, the evidence suggests the site fell out of use some time in the fourth century. (1)

<1> multiple authors, 1978/79, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed, p62 (Article in Journal). SCH5801.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 1978 Vol 9 p430 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 178 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> McPeake J.C., 1978, The First Century, 35-36 (Article in Journal). SCH6310.

<5> Ward, S. W., 2012, Bedward Row, 1977 (Article in Monograph). SCH6556.