Ancient Roman Columns, Chester

Remnants of Deva Victrix's Grandeur

These ancient Roman columns stand as silent witnesses to nearly two millennia of history. Originally part of a larger structure within the fortress of Deva Victrix, they once formed part of buildings that played a crucial role in the social and civic life of Roman Chester. The columns have been carefully relocated and repositioned outside the Coach House Inn on Northgate Street, where they now serve as accessible monuments to the city's Roman heritage. Their presence in the modern streetscape creates a striking juxtaposition between ancient engineering and contemporary urban life.

The Fortress That Nearly Became an Empire's Capital

Chester was founded in 79 AD as a Roman fortress under Emperor Vespasian, strategically positioned on the banks of the River Dee. The fortress, known as Deva Victrix, was home to the Legio XX Valeria Victrix, one of the most formidable legions of the Roman army. What makes Chester particularly significant is that it was approximately 20 percent larger than other legionary fortresses built at the same time, such as those at York and Caerleon. This exceptional size, combined with its strategic location on the Irish Sea, has led historians to theorize that Deva Victrix may have been intended as the capital of a combined Roman province encompassing Britain and Ireland. Though this ambitious plan never materialized, Chester remained a major military and administrative center throughout the Roman occupation.

Architectural Mastery and Urban Development

The structures to which these columns originally belonged demonstrate the sophisticated architectural knowledge of Roman engineers and builders. The columns themselves reflect the classical proportions and construction techniques that characterized Roman civic buildings. During the late second century AD, Chester underwent significant development, with the fortress evolving from purely military installations into a complex urban environment. The presence of these columns suggests they were part of important administrative or public buildings, possibly connected to the headquarters complex or other significant structures within the fortress. The quality of their construction and their prominent placement indicate they were part of buildings of considerable importance to the Roman community.

A Living Connection to Roman Britain

These columns represent more than mere archaeological artifacts; they embody the continuity of Chester's identity from Roman times to the present day. The fortress was occupied by Roman forces for over three centuries, until the late fourth or early fifth century AD. Even after the formal Roman withdrawal from Britain around 410 AD, the civilian settlement that had grown around the fortress continued to thrive, with Romano-British inhabitants likely remaining and maintaining aspects of Roman culture and infrastructure. The deliberate relocation and preservation of these columns in a prominent public location demonstrates how modern Chester honors and celebrates its Roman foundations, making the ancient world tangible and accessible to contemporary visitors.

Integration Within Chester's Roman Landscape

The columns occupy a significant position within Chester's broader Roman heritage. Located on Northgate Street, they sit within the historic core of the city, surrounded by other Roman remains and medieval structures built upon Roman foundations. The nearby Northgate itself was originally a Roman gatehouse, and the city walls that encircle Chester were first constructed by the Romans. Walking through this area allows visitors to experience the layering of history that defines Chester, where Roman, medieval, and modern elements coexist. The columns serve as a focal point for understanding how Roman Chester functioned as an integrated urban space, with different structures serving military, administrative, and civic purposes.