Research Aims

The whole purpose of archaeology is research - finding out more about our past, to inform and enrich the present and future. The many publications produced by Chester Archaeology re-shaping our ideas about the history of the area show that the Service has a lively research culture.

We have identified the major historical themes to which the archaeology of the city and district can make a significant or even unique contribution. Chester evolved as a major military, political, urban and trading centre in a frontier zone, between Wales, the Irish Sea and the Mersey. Our research themes focus on the city's internal development and that of the settlements in its immediate hinterland, their relationship with one another, and Chester's role in the surrounding regions. We are working towards a general research framework for the city and district.

We operate flexibly in pursuing one or more of these themes as and when the opportunities arise, both through our own resources and in co-operation with others. The precise questions to be answered depend on the nature of the opportunities available and the progress of research on similar topics elsewhere; they are set out in our site-specific research briefs.

Our research both draws upon and contributes to the District Archaeological Survey in a 'virtuous spiral' of increasing information which enhances the quality of all aspects of our services.

People lie at the heart of all research, and we give our staff all possible support to keep up to date in their specialist fields, to pursue worthwhile ideas and to share them with other archaeologists and the public at large. 

Major Historical Themes

Chester as a centre of secular and religious power

Roman fortress, Saxon burh, medieval castle and walls, the Civil War defences, major churches and religious houses

Chester as an economic centre

The port of Chester, craft and industry, trade, the mint

Chester asa social and cultural centre

Entertainment, culture, tourism and worship

Chester: same space, different place

Changes in Chester's function through the ages as reflected in the built environment

Chester and its hinterland

Agriculture, the environment, settlements and settlement hierarchy, local trade and communications

Current questions

The following questions are the subject of current or recent research: 

• The origins, strategic function and end of the Roman fortress; its culture and its relationship with local civilian society
• The history of the Roman works-depot at Holt 
• The evolution of Chester's urban form, from post-Roman times to the Middle Ages 
  The development of the Benedictine Abbey and its predecessors  
• The history of port facilities and boats using the port 
• The evolution of settlement patterns and hierarchy, especially from prehistoric to Saxon times 
• The emergence of early parishes around Chester 

For a fuller list of possible research topics, please click on the themes above. We are keen to work with others, such as local groups or students, who want to pursue any of these topics. Please contact archaeology@chester.gov.uk to see what information or other help we can offer.

Archaeological data is generally analysed under the following headings: 

• Land use/general arrangements of sites
• Building plans and constructional techniques
• Building functions 
• Artefactual/industrial/environmental issues
• Chronology