Monument record 8359 - Early Roman temporary feature at Abbey Green

<1> 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.

Archaeological investigation at Abbey Green between 1975 and 1977 recorded evidence of an early Roman timber structure. The evidence consisted of two parallel rows of post holes approximately 3.50m apart along with traces of a cross tie beam and some earth infilling.

The original interpretation of this evidence suggested this formed part of a box type rampart belonging to a pre-Flavian fortress at Chester.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1975-78, Excavations in the garden of No 1 Abbey Green (Unpublished Report). SCH6808.

Subsequent re-examination of the site archive has, however, suggested a different interpretation. Strickland posits that the post pits as excavated did not in fact follow the previously suggested pattern of two parallel lines.

The re-examined evidence suggests a pattern of seven post holes for upright timbers in the north east corner of the site (Area III) forming two parallel lines approximately 3.30m apart internally. These do not appear to be evidence of a box rampart as they are sealed by a series of primary Roman soil layers and may rather be evidence of temporary encampments as seen elsewhere (e.g. Goss Street).

To the west, the evidence from Areas I and II appears, on closer examination, to be of a later date. The post holes in these areas cut the primary Roman soil layers associated with site clearance and turf removal but are sealed by phase 3 deposits.

In conclusion; Strickland argues that with the discounted evidence from Areas I and II now believed to be later second century in date, the remaining post holes from Area III bear closer resemblance to a temporary structure associated with the laying out of the fortress rather than a pre Flavian rampart defence

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, pp151 & 157 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 7/319-320 Wilson D R 1976 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<5> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, 8/385 Frere S S 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> Petch A.J, 1978, Introduction (Article in Journal). SCH6309.

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

<9> Strickland, T.J., 1978, The Fortress in the Second and Third Centuries (Article in Journal). SCH6312.

<10> Anon, 1976, March 1976: North West Newsletter. Excavations, p18-19 (Article in Journal). SCH5748.

<11> multiple authors, 1973, Stray Finds, p58-60 (Article in Journal). SCH5780.

<12> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1975, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6237.

<13> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1975, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6238.

<14> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1975, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6239.

<15> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1976, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6256.

<16> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1976, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6257.

<17> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1976, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6258.

<18> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1978, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6261.

<19> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1983, Recent research on the defences of Roman Chester (Newsletter). SCH6223.

<20> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1975, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6236.

<21> Strickland, T.J., 1980, First century Deva: some evidence reconsidered in the light of recent archaeological discoveries (Article in Journal). SCH5923.