Fragment Of Deva Roman Fortress Wall

The fragment of the Deva Roman Fortress wall is located on St John Street in Chester and is part of a building that includes showrooms, which may have previously served as a workshop and offices. Constructed in 1908, the building is made of hard red brick with terracotta dressings.

The exterior features cellars, two storeys, and an attic, presenting an almost symmetrical façade with nine windows. It has a yellow sandstone plinth with blocked cellar openings. The left wing contains a round-arched cartway, a bull's-eye window, and a 12-pane recessed sash. The central portion projects forward and includes a central bay with two 15-pane sashes, flanked by similar sashes on either side. The right wing features a 12-pane recessed sash and a six-panel door set in a case with a pediment on consoles. All windows are adorned with architraves that are shouldered and eared, often topped with terracotta cornices.

On the first floor, the left wing has three recessed 12-pane sashes, the central portion has four similar sashes, and the right wing has a 12-pane sash alongside a dual 8-pane sash. Each wing is finished with an egg-and-dart cornice, while the central portion boasts a modillion cornice with a broken pediment above the two central windows, which is dated 1908 on a cartouche decorated with swags. The left wing features a coped end-gable with a flush brick chimney, while the middle portion has a hipped mansard roof with two Classically detailed dormers and a rectangular roof lantern. The right wing includes a smaller lantern positioned behind the front pitch.

Visible in the area to the left are the foundation courses of the Roman fortress wall, which continue into the cellar. Inside, the building contains cast-iron columns and a panelled ceiling, along with a substantial staircase. This structure holds townscape value as it faces the Roman amphitheatre.