Find Spot record 8088/6 - Roman altar found adjacent to the Corn Exchange

An altar was recovered to the rear of the Corn Exchange in the south-east part of the Cathedral Close and near the east wall in 1862. Although the inscription was faint, it is probable that it was dedicated to the Mother Goddess (3). It is suggested that the altar indicates the presence of a barrack building in the area. (2)

Other finds from this area have suggested that this cohort block belonged to the Third Cohort (eg. CHER 8397). This altar was found in the vicinity of Barrack B (CHER 8401) on an east west progression from the fortress wall.

The Roman altar was frequently found in homes, markets, public buildings and sacred spaces, often within a shrine or niche in the wall of the building. They are frequently inscribed with a dedication to a deity as well as decorated with carved sculptures. The presence of an altar dedicated to a century (a unit of 80 men of the Roman army) often suggests the presence of a barrack building nearby.

RIB i 456.

<1> n/a, 1864, A Brief Abstract of the Proceedings of the Society, p422-3 (Article in Journal). SCH5525.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p155 (Book). SCH3556.

<3> Thompson Watkin W. T., 1886, Roman Cheshire: A Description of Roman Remains in the County of Chester, p183 (Book). SCH2878.

<4> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No.19 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<5> Royal Archaeological Institute, 1845-Present, Archaeological Journal, Vol 34 p142 (Journal/Periodical). SCH338.

<6> Collingwood R G & Wright R P, 1965, The Roman Inscriptions of Britain: Volume I, RIB i 456 (Monograph). SCH3235.

<7> Haverfield, F, 1900, Catalogue of the Roman Sculptured stones in the Grosvenor Museum, No 8 (Article in Journal). SCH5530.

<8> Newstead, R (Prof.), 1899, Discovery of Roman remains in Bridge Street, 1899 (Article in Journal). SCH5529.