Quick Links: Introduction | Area A | Area B | Area C
area a: Shows area of the newly discovered cellar and window feature
In Area B, buildings have been revealed. These may be medieval in origin, but might have lasted for a long time, and been altered in various ways.
The most spectacular discovery is an intact stone-lined cellar.
The cellar was apparently filled in during the later 18th century after the demolition of the associated superstructure. It is largely built of sandstone blocks laid in a hard lime based mortar suggesting a construction date in the 17th century. The left hand side of the picture shows that part of one wall is unusual as it appears to be built largely of brick and this may indicate a blocked doorway.
The base of a stone and brick staircase is visible in the centre of the picture, and this again would appear to be a later addition to the cellar as it is not tied into the adjoining wall. The floor of the cellar appears to have always been beaten earth with a patchy covering of lime mortar to create a firm surface.
The aperture that looks like a blocked window on the right-hand side of the picture was probably a niche/alcove to house an oil lamp or lantern to light the cellar. Above the alcove a line of what appears to be three sandstone copping stones is in fact the base to a later 19th century gateway into St. John's churchyard.
This area will be sited in the south-eastern quadrant of the amphitheatre, adjacent to Little St John’s Street, and close to St John’s Church. It will coincide approximately with the area between the eastern entrance and the first vomitorium in this quadrant; an area of 20 x 15m This area will be excavated to the top of Roman stratification and structure only.
Work is still at an early stage, but again there has been the discovery of 20th century drains and robbed out walls. The boundary wall to the east of the area has been partly demolished, but the lower courses show that the boundary is old, and has been frequently altered. Part of a stone building may be incorporated in it.
The top surface of soil has also been removed from this area, ready for hand clearing to begin on the 18th century landscaped garden of Dee House. Work here is expected to be slow, as this area is very much an unknown factor with little knowledge of the deposits.
In Area B, buildings have been revealed. These may be medieval in origin, but might have lasted for a long time, and been altered in various ways. The most spectacular discovery is an intact stone-lined cellar. This deep cellar features a window or niche at each end. Within it are inserted brick stairs, and in one corner an apparent doorway which has been blocked with brickwork.
The cellar seems to occupy one corner of a stone building, the investigation of which continues. It is possible that the building is one of those which is recorded as being used as cover by the Parliamentarian besiegers of Chester in September 1645. The siege is also the context for the many musket and pistol balls, many flattened by impact, which have been found in this area.