Monument record 8217 - Roman Interval Tower North Wall 1 at Abbey Green

Evidence of a Roman structure immediately south of the City Walls was first discovered during repairs to the wall at Abbey Green in 1933. The site was subsequently excavated by Prof Newstead in 1935 who recorded the plan of the stone built tower. (1)

The west wall of the stone tower at its junction with the City Wall was first recorded in 1933 but not explored in any detail. Finds of late first century pottery were recovered from this feature. Subsequent excavations in 1935 recorded the south external wall measuring 1.26m thick and the east wall measuring 1.11m thick. Although much of the south wall had been demolished, the east wall survived to a height of eight courses. The central part of the tower contained evidence of infilling with alternating layers of grey loam and crushed sandstone rock in order to provide a solid base. Further infilling was also recorded south of the tower between it and the rampart building (CHER 8355). (1)

Later excavations in Abbey Green between 1975 and 1977 recorded further evidence of the interval tower allowing for the identification of an earlier timber phase of construction some distance to the west (2)

In the second century (phase 4) the stone rampart wall was added in front of the earth rampart (CHER 8202/4) and the timber interval tower was replaced in stone. Finally, in the third century (phase 5) there was evidence to suggest the rampart was raised and extended over the rampart buildings and ovens (CHER 8201/5) and the interval tower was rebuilt (2)

<1> Newstead, R and J P Droop, 1935, The Roman Fortress at Chester: a Newly Discovered Turret and Rampart Building (Article in Journal). SCH6474.

<2> McPeake J.C. Bulmer M & Rutter J.A, 1980, Excavations in the garden of No. 1 Abbey Green, Chester, 1975-77 (Article in Journal). SCH5924.

<3> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1911-Present, Journal of Roman Studies, Taylor M V & Collingwood R G 1935 25/208 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1519.

<4> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 7/319-20 Wilson D R 1976 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<5> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 8/385 Wilson D R 1977 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<6> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 9/429-30 Wilson D R 1978 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<7> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p122-4, 127-8 (Book). SCH3556.

<8> McPeake J.C., 1978, The First Century, /13-16 (Article in Journal). SCH6310.

<9> Earthworks Archaeological Services, 2004, Proposed breach in the City Walls at Rufus Court, Chester, R2533 (Client Report). SCH4587.

<10> Chester Archaeology, 1975-78, Excavations in the garden of No 1 Abbey Green (Unpublished Report). SCH6808.