Monument record 10345 - Post medieval pits from 22-28 Foregate Street

Archaeological investigations to the rear of 22-28 Foregate Street recorded a number of post medieval pits and surfaces in trench 2 of the excavations. A substantial clay lined pit was recorded in the north-east corner of the trench measuring 2m long by 1.8m wide and 1.30m deep. Evidence of a stone lining was also noted in the eastern section of the pit, drawing parallels with a similar pit discovered at the nearby Telephone Exchange site in the 1940s (CHER 10250) In this case the pit was interpreted as a possible cellar for a building or tavern.

The fill of the pit comprised primarily domestic refuse including animal remains, ceramic building material and pottery sherds of a broadly post medieval date. A large number of bronze pins were recovered from an ashy fill of the pit while, unusually, no clay pipe was encountered. A number of other post medieval pits were recorded across the site but not discussed in detail. (1)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1990, Excavations at Marks and Spencers, Chester, p7 (Unpublished Report). SCH6629.