Monument record 8423 - Substantial sewer from the Eastgate

Evidence of a substantial sewer was encountered running underneath the East Gate in the 19th century. The sewer was described 'as high as a common man and wide enough to drive a wheelbarrow in' (1). Mason has suggested that it was Roman, however, there is no dating evidence. (4)

Although attributed to the Roman period given its construction underneath the East Gate, it is possible the sewer is of medieval construction, perhaps linked to other substantial sewers recorded at the Abbey Court (CHER 8402) and south of the line of the Roman fortress (CHER 8098).

<1> Thompson Watkin W. T., 1886, Roman Cheshire: A Description of Roman Remains in the County of Chester, p115 (Book). SCH2878.

<2> British Library, 1756-Present, Additional Manuscripts (Addit. MS.), /11,334/Fo.255 Foote-Gower (Paper Archive). SCH122.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, p163 (Book). SCH3556.

<4> Mason, D. J. P., 2005, Exacavations at Chester: The Roman fortress baths, excavations and recording 1732-1998, p122 (Monograph). SCH6157.