DEVA VICTRIX, Chester's In situ Roman remains, Part 2

In this second part, let me take you into the heart of the City of Chester once more to explore the remains of the home of the XX Legio, Valeria Victrix, where, among other features, I take a look at the life blood of the fortress and indeed the entire empire before heading below ground to see what lies below Pret A Manger coffee shop.

[@Stubborn18]

I remember going to Chester on a school trip. This brings back memories. Really must visit again. I only live twenty miles away, but it is just not a place I go often. Chester is a great place for history.

[@lionelmarytravels6003]

Another superb exploration of Roman Chester. It's great that the authorities left some of the relics in situ for us to see. If you think about it, there must be many, many historic remains beneath our feet, only coming to light during major rebuilding work.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Alas a huge amount of Roman Chester was simply destroyed by the careless Council during the 1960s rebuild, but as you say still plenty to see, and more to come. Keep an eye out for future parts.

[@MajorRager7]

Just watched the Chester to Saltneyferry vid. I've lived in Saltney for most of my 71 years and spent many happy hours all over the places shown - absolutely wonderful

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thank you for watching, glad it brought back some good memories for you.

[@lazyhazeldaisy9596]

As a lover of all things Roman Britain this was very interesting thank you, it is very frustrating to know that so much of the original Roman buildings are buried or inaccessible. I thought your presentation very good and nice to hear the Roman names, many thanks again.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Hi, thanks for your kind comments. It is frustrating, even worse is when remains are exposed, they are simply built over again. Sometimes losing them forever.

[@davidberlanny3308]

Hi Bob, just caught up with parts one and two today. You found some real gems tucked away in the basements of those cafes. I think if you were a well to do Roman you must have lived like a king, underfloor heating amazing. I'm glad some of it has survived. I agree with you it looks very likely that the wall which has a semi arch over that cafe is Roman in its origins, perhaps rebuilt, we will never know for sure. As you can imagine in Spain there are plenty of Roman remains under the surface, its only recently that the amphitheatre was rediscovered in Cadiz, I think you saw the photos I posted. Also worth a visit is the amphitheatre in Cartagena, a small inocuous museum front in the high streat leads you in to various displays and as you do the tour you gradually climb up various stairs until you come out in the basement of an old church. When you come out of the church you find yourself stoood at the top of the amphitheatre looking down, well worth a visit. Are you going to do anymore on Chester? Really enjoyed watching all three, well done!!

[@user-fm1ju8hn4g]

Fascinating. Thank you so much for your time and efforts. Chester's history is wonderful and exciting. It's a pity the council don't do more with it. They could have a number of centres in appropriate places around the city each depicting a different era.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thank you Irene. It is a pity the council aren't as engaged as they should be. Don't forget parts 2 and 3 are also available from this series on my channel.

[@glennleedicus]

The Holy Trinity Church is where my ancestors married back in the mid 17th century. One of their sons would leave for America.

[@Ben-bu2jg]

Fantastic video, thank you. I walk around Chester all the time and you’ve taught me things I never even knew. Thanks very much. A medieval Chester would be a great one.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thanks Ben, glad you enjoyed it. Medieval would be a good series. Plenty of material. I'll put that on the list.

[@CH-vv2hr]

The Romans were simply incredible

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Yup

[@brennanmacdowell284]

Really great! Thank you!

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thanks Brennan 😊

[@timeast6412]

Having visited Chester a few times in my narrowboating days your video connects some of the historic dots that I saw.Thank you.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thanks for your comments Tim, very much appreciated.

[@barbaraprest783]

Thank you very much

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thank you Barbara

[@NeilCatterall]

Great vid. If you look towards the stairs leading up to the cathedral from Frodsham street carpark. On the left of the stairs is one of the roman towers foundation.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thank you for your comments. That's one I've not heard of. I shall have a look next time in town. Is it definitely Roman?

[@NeilCatterall]

@@PASTFINDERexploring There is a small info board and I'm sure the last time I was there I read it was Roman but not 100% sure

[@chesterdays2299]

Very nice! I would say that the segment of arch on the north side of the Eastgate almost has to be a fragment of the Roman arch. It may have been cleaned and consolidated in recent times, but it is quite telling. I ought to check more deeply as it could be a part of the Medieval Eastgate, in which the Roman arches were found. Worth noting that the NW Angle Tower and adjacent sections existed to a height of about 10ft, still visible, prior to the building of St Martin's Gate. A shameful episode of demolition that is still mourned by many antiquarians in the city.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Hi Julian, thank you. The Eastgate arch fragment must be either Roman or Medieval. If it's Medieval, then that creates a mystery as to why it was encased within the structure removed in the 1760s. Therefore that would leave Roman or contemporary. I don't think it contemporary as it is of a different style to that of the Eastgate, and why build half an arch only to butt up against another. I know we only have old drawings to go by but the style and construction indicate towards the roman, or is that just wishful thinking.

[@chesterdays2299]

@@PASTFINDERexploring Thanks. I tend to agree. Obviously account for all possibilities, but logic and my gut say it's Roman - the stonework looks Roman, and is clearly different to the stone around it. I will be out with a couple of archaeologist friends soon, and then again with one of the old city archaeologists, preparing a video for the summer heritage festival. I will run it past them and let you know here. Great video, by the way!

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

@@chesterdays2299 Thanks Julian, I look forward to hearing from you and thank you once more for allowing the use of your artwork.

[@anthonymoore6009]

Another excellent and informative film.

[@PASTFINDERexploring]

Thank you, and I finally got something at the strongroom.