Monument record 10148 - Medieval domestic activity at the Northgate Brewery

Archaeological investigations at the Northgate Brewery Site (corner of Northgate Street and Water Tower Street) recorded evidence of limited medieval activity. The excavations were carried out by P.J. Davey of the Grosvenor Museum following the demolition of the former brewery.

Traces of medieval structural activity were recorded in area 003 of the excavations. The evidence consisted of sandstone rubble foundations and robber trenches incorporating several blocks of good masonry. However the extent excavated was insufficient to interpret. In addition, an isolated block of sandstone masonry occurred in 003 E.

Four large post holes representing a timber structure were also encountered in 003 H/J along with several other post holes of uncertain function and a clay floor surface. Material recovered from the medieval deposits included fragments of fine architectural masonry while pottery of a 15th-16th century date was recovered.

The evidence suggests the existence of a late medieval structure of sufficient importance to warrant a stone superstructure on or near the site. Given their location, it is possible the structure fronted onto Water Tower Street. A medieval cellar of a slightly earlier date is recorded nearby (CHER 10148). (1)

<1> Davey, P. J., 1973, Chester Northgate Brewery Phase One, p17-18 (Monograph). SCH950.

<2> multiple authors, 1973, Excavation Reports and Summaries, p18-19 (Article in Journal). SCH5782.

<3> Webster L & Cherry J, 1973, Medieval Britain in 1972 (Article in Journal). SCH5613.