Monument record 8300 - Roman Barracks Block B (latera praetorii west) at Princess Street

Archaeological investigations in the Hunter Street/Princess Street area have identified evidence of a series of barracks arranged ‘per scamna’ (or east west). Several periods of investigations carried out in the 20th century have contributed to our understanding of the development of legionary barracks in Chester, however, funding and time limitations have meant that dissemination of the results has been varied.(6)

Phase 1 (AD 70s-80s) consisted of the earliest phase of barrack buildings; the archaeological evidence of which was largely confined to often significantly truncated post holes and beam slots indicating a timber construction. This was followed by a second timber phase (AD 90-110). Phase 3 (AD 110-130) consisted of the first period of stone construction, usually seen as a direct replacement of the final timber phase. (6)

The evidence for barrack block B consisted of a substantial part of the eastern exterior wall and the south facing veranda as well as short sections of the north and south exterior walls of the timber building. The construction of the timber building included raised, joisted internal floors and wattle and daub in the wall construction. The veranda also included evidence to suggest the eastern end was enclosed. In all, five internal partition walls could be identified within the block allowing for a reasonable interpretation of the plan of the barrack block indicating at least 12 pairs of rooms (contubernia). (6)

Phase 4, commonly known as the ‘second century military hiatus’ is noted to a greater or lesser extent across most sites in Chester. This is followed by two major periods of construction; phase 5 (3rd century) is characterised by widespread rebuilding or alteration of existing structures while phase 6 (4th century) by further extensive alteration.(6)

There was little evidence recovered from barrack block B that could be attributed to the later stages, however, this may have been a result of the limited nature of the investigation.

<1> Strickland, T.J., 1983, Chester: Excavations in the Princess Street / Hunter Street Area, 1978-1982. A First Report on Discoveries of the Roman Period (Article in Journal). SCH5815.

<2> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1911-Present, Journal of Roman Studies, Vol 56 p200-1 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1519.

<3> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, Vol 14 p297 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<4> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p152 (Book). SCH3556.

<5> Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies, 1970-Present, Britannia, Vol 13 p352-3 (Journal/Periodical). SCH445.

<6> Chester Archaeology, 1982, Princess Street Excavations: Roman Legionary barracks (Unpublished Report). SCH6807.