Monument record 9031 - Saxon Soil Horizon (Dark Earth Layer), 12 - 22 Commonhall Street

Archaeological investigations on the site of 12-22 Commonhall St. in 1991 and 2003 recorded evidence of a mortar-rich, dark silty soil horizon overlying late Roman demolition debris that may be attributed to the early Anglo Saxon period (1, 2). Pottery, including a relatively large amount of Chester ware was recovered from this layer, in addition to residual Roman material and medieval finds considered intrusive and derived from the numerous medieval pits identified on the site (1). It is not clear whether this horizon represents a cultivation layer, an occupation layer or the ‘dark earth’ layer reported elsewhere in Chester, but possible pits and a hearth nearby (CHER 9033, CHER 9034) demonstrate more intensive Saxon period occupation in this vicinity.

<1> Gifford and Partners, 2003, Report on Archaeological Works at 12 - 22 Commonhall Street, Chester, R3197 (Client Report). SCH6429.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1991, 12-22 Commonhall Street, Chester: An Archaeological Evaluation, R2091 (Client Report). SCH4109.