Monument record 10322 - Evidence of Post Medieval Light Industrial Activities, Queen's School (City Walls Road)

During a watching brief (ECH3926) at the Queen’s School in 2002 widespread area of scorched sand was recorded in the western part of the site (1). It appeared to be the remains of light industry on the site, and may have been the remains of a clamp kiln built to provide bricks for the Gaol (3). Beneath this spread of scorched sand, was a deposit of sandy loam that contained a great deal of charcoal, that was possibly from a furnace cleaning (3).

A later evaluation carried out at the site (ECH3918) also identified a thick layer of industrial-type debris visible below a layer of scorched earth (1). The deposit was described as clean, containing only a small amount of domestic rubbish, but with an exceptionally high charcoal content (1). A linear cut was interpreted as a possible drainage trench. Documents relating to the construction of the City Gaol indicate that bricks were fired on site (CHER 10315).

<1> L - P Archaeology, 2002, Archaeological Evaluation Report of Land at the Queen's School, Chester, R2427 (Client Report). SCH4397.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 2002, Dig News (Newsletter). SCH6388.

<3> L - P Archaeology, 2002, Archaeological Watching Brief of Land at the Queen's School, Chester, R2439 (Client Report). SCH4405.