Archaeologists started work on a major dig at Chester Amphitheatre today (June 14) in a bid to unravel the truth about the city’s Roman and early Christian past.
The dig – part of a high-profile three-year project involving Chester City Council and English Heritage – will take place throughout the summer and will hopefully lead to a greater understanding about the origins and development of this internationally important site.
[above, left to right] Chester City Council's senior archaeologist Dan Garner, culture portfolio holder Councillor Ann Farrell, and English Heritage senior archaeologist Tony Wilmott helping to get the dig underway at Chester Amphitheatre.
Chester residents and visitors will be able to view the excavations close up, thanks to a new overhead walkway being constructed across the length of the site, with information points and guided tours at certain times of the week. The walkway is set to be completed next week.
Any finds unearthed will be taken to Chester Visitor Centre (located opposite the site on Vicars Lane). Archaeologists will work on them in full view of the public, and exhibition stands and interactive activities will also enhance the experience for visitors and allow people to learn more about this exciting project.
The city council’s culture portfolio holder, Councillor Ann Farrell, said: “We’ve already used a number of non-invasive techniques – such as aerial photography and ground scanning equipment – to learn more about the site, but the excavations mark the real start of the investigative work.
“We hope to learn a great deal more about Chester’s Roman and early Christian past during the next few months and we would encourage residents and visitors to come along and witness the exciting work that is taking place.”
A great deal has happened on site over the last few weeks in preparation for the dig. The 1960s boundary wall that ran across the amphitheatre has been knocked down and a layer of top soil was removed by mechanical diggers at the weekend.
A ‘live’ web camera has also been installed, providing 24 hour coverage. Internet users can keep tabs on progress, and view the excavations through the web cam, by logging onto the official website www.chesteramphitheatre.co.uk
Tony Wilmott, English Heritage Senior Archaeologist, said: “The excavations will hopefully reveal new evidence about the national and international significance of Chester’s Amphitheatre, leading to greater understanding and appreciation of this extremely important heritage site.
“Educational activities, new signage and interpretive material will enhance the visitor experience and help make this an exciting community event involving schools, local residents and visitors.”
The dig is part of a three-year exploration project launched by the city council and English Heritage.
As well as being an exciting community event, it is also expected to attract an additional 40,000 tourists a year to Chester, create and sustain 140 new jobs and bring £5 million a year in investment to the local economy.
The findings of the project will be used to draw up a plan for the future conservation of the site.