Find Spot record 8088/23 - Roman altar from Newgate Street

A Roman altar was discovered at the last house on the east side of Newgate Street and just within the City Walls in 1875 in the garden of Mr Storrar. It was said to have been recovered beneath the stables to the rear of the property. The altar was inscribed DEO MARTI CONSERV dedicated to Mars the Preserver. (2) On the right side of the altar is a bull and on the left a jug (1)

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.

RIB i 454

<1> Hubner, Prof., 1890, The Roman Inscriptions of Deva (Chester) (Article in Journal). SCH5581.

<2> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No 45 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<3> Shrubsole, George W, 1886, Catalogue of the Roman Altars (Book). SCH6540.

<4> Thompson Watkin W. T., 1886, Roman Cheshire: A Description of Roman Remains in the County of Chester, p184-5 (Book). SCH2878.

<5> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p156 (Book). SCH3556.

<6> Royal Archaeological Institute, 1845-Present, Archaeological Journal, Vol 41 p175 (Journal/Periodical). SCH338.

<7> Collingwood R G & Wright R P, 1965, The Roman Inscriptions of Britain: Volume I, RIB i 454 (Monograph). SCH3235.

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

<9> Henig D.F, 2004, Roman Sculpture in the NW Midlands, No 10 (Book). SCH6862.

<10> Shrubsole, George W, 1886, Catalogue of the Roman Altars, No 13 (Book). SCH6540.