Monument record 10151 - 18th century housing at the Northgate Brewery

Archaeological investigations at the Northgate Brewery Site (corner of Northgate Street and Water Tower Street) recorded evidence of post medieval activity. The excavations were carried out by P.J. Davey of the Grosvenor Museum following the demolition of the former brewery. (1)

The investigations recorded evidence of a row of terraced houses directly beneath the 19th century brewery comprising foundation trenches and wall footings, the pottery evidence recovered from the foundation cuts included pottery and glass from around 1740-1810. The evidence suggests the houses were not built as a single terrace rather as individual enterprises one after the other. A brick lined rubbish pit recovered to the rear of the houses contained large quantities of glass bottles, fine ware pottery, clay pipes and animal bone indicating a well-to-do household. (1)

Stem bore analysis from two fragments of clay pipe indicate a date of 1695 and 1746 although deposition appeared to be in late 18th century. (1)

<1> Davey, P. J., 1973, Chester Northgate Brewery Phase One, p31 (Monograph). SCH950.

<2> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 1/18-19 Davey P J 1973 (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<3> Cherry, John, 1973, Post-Medieval Britain in 1972, p103-104 (Article in Journal). SCH6075.