Archaeology at Chester Cathedral

The archaeological project at Chester cathedral was the result of proposals to replace the floor paving of 1777 and install an underfloor heating system in the nave and part of the south transept. A thorough process of evaluation and survey was carried out prior to excavation. Excavation was limited in depth but located a possible Saxon church extending westwards from the present church. Details of the Norman, possible 13th-century and long drawn-out 14th- to 15th-century rebuildings were recovered. The alterations introduced following the change from abbey to cathedral in 1541 indicate a period of decline in use and low status burials. Eighteenth- and 19th-century restorations marked a renewal of activity.