Monument record 8503 - Roman structural evidence at the Lady Chapel

Evidence of Roman activity was recorded during restoration work in the Lady Chapel of the Cathedral in 1868. The first evidence uncovered was a section of a drain which continued under the eastern wall and partly under the floor of the chapel at a depth of 9ft below ground level. An inscribed stone recovered laying near to the drain appears to be a centurial stone dedicated to the century of Quintus Maximus (RIB i 473) while a coin of Domitian was recovered from the drain itself. A second coin of Domitian was also recovered close by. (1)

Evidence of what appeared to be a Roman concrete foundation on a diagonal alignment in the south-east corner of the chapel was also recorded. (3)

<1> Thompson Watkin W. T., 1886, Roman Cheshire: A Description of Roman Remains in the County of Chester, p116 & 124 (Book). SCH2878.

<2> Hughes, Thomas, 1876, Chester in its Early Youth, or the Colony of Deva, seen by the Light of the Roman Remains Discovered there, p254 (Article in Journal). SCH5533.

<3> Picton, James et al, 1890, The Walls of Chester: are they Roman or Edwardian?, p90 (Article in Journal). SCH5579.

<4> Lawson, P H, 1926, Schedule of the Roman Remains of Chester with Maps and Plans, No.14 (Article in Journal). SCH5956.

<5> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p162 (Book). SCH3556.

<6> Haverfield, F, 1900, Catalogue of the Roman Sculptured stones in the Grosvenor Museum, No 17 (Article in Journal). SCH5530.