The wall that runs straight through the middle of the amphitheatre was yesterday having it's first bricks removed as the next major stage of the project gets underway.
The wall was erected in the 1960s and runs right through the centre of the Amphitheatre site, marking the boundary between the excavated part of the site and the grounds of Dee House.
[above] One of the last photographs of the fully intact dividing wall that has split the Amphitheatre Site in half for 40 years - click for a larger image to open in a new window
The top brick section of the wall is being knocked down to make way for a pedestrian gangway that will allow visitors to get a close-up view of excavation work on both sides of the boundary. The excavations are scheduled to begin in June and visitors will be able to see soil samples being processed, read about the project at information points along the walkway, and enjoy guided tours. The demolition will also open up sweeping views of the entire amphitheatre site, not seen for over 40 years.
[above] A photograph of workmen removing the first few bricks of the dividing wall - click to open a bigger image in a new window
The wall was constructed in the 1960s to divide Dee House, which was a convent school, from the part of the site that was being excavated at the time. The lower concrete section of the wall is a retaining wall that holds in the unexcavated part of the amphitheatre, and remains in place.
English Heritage’s Chester Amphitheatre project manager said: “The removal of the wall marks a key stage of the amphitheatre project. For the first time Cestrians and visitors from around the world will be able to see the archaeological excavation within the amphitheatre and Dee House gardens. We hope that people will come to see the archaeologists at work and witness this exciting project which will bring Chester’s history to life.”
[above] Another photograph of the men at work on the wall
City Council archaeologist Mike Morris explained: “The gangway will lead straight across the site to Vicars Lane, where visitors can cross the road and go into the adjacent Chester Visitor Centre, where they can watch archaeologists working on the finds we unearth.
“This is the real beginning of a very exciting and innovative project, and the demolition of the upper part of the wall will allow visitors to get a real close up view of the excavations on the ground.
“It’s important that we stimulate public interest and involvement in what’s happening at the amphitheatre, and allowing people to access the site in this way will help us do that.”