Monument record 8428 - Roman structure at Bolland's Court

Archaeological investigations were carried out in 1954 and again in 1959 during substantial redevelopment to the area to the rear of Bridge Street now known as Bolland’s Court. Two trenches were cut in 1954 to the rear of No 42-44 Bridge Street with a further two trenches cut in 1959 to the rear of No 46 Bridge Street. Although the area excavated was relatively small, the features encountered indicated at least three phases of structural activity.

The earliest phase of activity dates to the foundation of the fortress in the late first century and constituted several post in trench features that appeared to represent a timber building in the area. This was followed in the second century by the demolition and levelling of the site followed by the reconstruction of the building in stone (CHER 8428/1). The final phase of activity is represented by a late second to third century structure comprising an area of sandstone paving with a reused pilaster base (CHER 8428/2).

Although the features were originally interpreted as timber barrack blocks on an east-west alignment across this area, this does not agree with the evidence found nearby which appears to indicate a more monumental structure in this insula (see linked sources) (1)

Later investigations at Bollands Court in 1989 encountered evidence of Roman deposits at a depth of approximately 2.1m below present ground level. Although not investigated in detail, the evidence appeared to indicate a substantial layer of Roman building debris in all three test pits as well as a substantial sandstone masonry wall in test pit 3 at a depth of 1.3m below ground level. No dating evidence was recovered, however. (3)

Gifford and Partners, 2003, Bolland's Court, Chester. Report on an Archaeological Evaluation (Client Report). SCH7650.

Gifford and Partners, 2003, Bolland's Court, Chester. Report on an Archaeological Evaluation (Client Report). SCH7650.

<1> Thompson F.H, 1967, Excavations in Bolland’s Court, Chester 1954 and 1959 (Article in Journal). SCH5884.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p159 (Book). SCH3556.

<3> Chester Archaeology, 1989, Trial Excavations at Rear of Owen Owen Premises, March 1989 (Unpublished Report). SCH6712.