Monument record 9000 - Possibly Late Saxon Timber Structures (Including Possible Fence Line), 1 Abbey Green

Some evidence for a timber structure, in the form of post holes, pre-dating the other Saxon features in the area of 1 Abbey Green, was reported (1, 4). One report asserts that a post-Roman timber structure (this monument) pre-dated the substantial Saxon building on the site (CHER 9002, with several hearths and evidence of metalworking), but points out that it was impossible to determine the extent or structure of the features (1). However, a more detailed report (4) only describes two lines of post holes that stratigraphically post-date the ruins of the Saxon building CHER 9002. A slot in Area IV was found to be cutting the destruction layer of the latter monument. In Area VI a line of post holes suggested a possible fence line that post-dated the main period of Saxon occupation in this particular area (4). At least one sherd of Chester ware could be attributed to these features (4).

<1> McPeake J.C. Bulmer M & Rutter J.A, 1980, Excavations in the garden of No. 1 Abbey Green, Chester, 1975-77, McPeake J C Bulmer M & Rutter J 1980 63/14-37 (Article in Journal). SCH5924.

<2> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 1/287 Thacker A 1987 (Book). SCH3556.

<3> Longley D, 1977-1978, Longley Archive, /no.412 (Paper Archive). SCH2005.

<4> Ward, S. W., 1994, Saxon Occupation within the Roman Fortress: Sites Excavated, 1971-81 (Archaeological Service Excavation & Survey Reports) (Monograph). SCH5486.

<5> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1978, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6261.