Monument record 10119 - Post medieval pit or cellar at St John Street

A substantial rectangular pit was recorded during archaeological investigations at the site of the new Telephone Exchange in St John Street in 1938. The pit was faced with large ashlar sandstone blocks set in puddle clay along with evidence of some early brick patching. Initially discovered in 1937, and partially destroyed, during construction it was subsequently further excavated in 1938.

The pit measured 3m by 2.25m and survived to a depth of 3.4m. Its size and sandstone lining suggest is may in fact have been a cellar to a tavern or large dwelling house. In addition a small recess or niche was recorded in the north wall backed by a solid block of sandstone. A substantial oak post 15cm in diameter was found in the north east corner of the pit.

Material in the pit consisted of 14th century floor tiles, medieval painted window glass, pottery sherds (mainly of tygs), four lathe-turned wooden bowls, four 17th century leather shoes and animal bones and mussel shells. The pit was sealed by a substantial floor of probably early 19th century date, comprising two courses of brick set in hard mortar belonging to the structures recently demolished to make way for the new Telephone exchange. (1)

<1> Newstead, R (Prof.), 1939, Records of Archaeological Finds II-V, p9-31 (Article in Journal). SCH5702.