Monument record 10163 - Medieval corn drying kiln at Princess street

Archaeological investigations between 1978 and 1982 as part of the Princess Street Central Redevelopment Programme uncovered substantial evidence of medieval and post medieval activity. The excavations covered a substantial area west of Northgate Street between Princess Street and Hunter Street, however although the Roman and Saxon evidence has been published, the medieval and later work remains largely unpublished.

One on the earliest medieval features recorded was a large oven [F4] with a funnel shaped base and a long flue at the end of which was sited the fire. Although dating evidence was limited, it was believed that it went out of use some time in the late 12th-13th century. (1)

The construction of the kiln consisted of a circular chamber approximately 2.2m in diameter at the top reducing to 0.85m at the bottom and approximately 1m in depth. The walls of the chamber were revetted with irregularly shaped sandstone blocks.

The flue extended east from the chamber and was divided into three sections – the flue itself, the hearth and the stoking area. The flue and hearth consisted of a walled channel approximately 0.55m wide and constructed of large squarish sandstone blocks laid in rough courses. There was evidence of damage and robbing of the stone throughout. The hearth consisted of an area paved with sandstone slabs showing significant evidence of burning. The stoking area was more roughly constructed with lower courses of irregularly shaped stone blocks and an upper part of banked earth. (5)

<1> multiple authors, 1980/81, Excavation Reports and Sites Observed (Article in Journal). SCH5806.

<2> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1979, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6263.

<3> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1980, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6264.

<4> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1980, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6265.

<5> Chester Archaeology, 1980, Princess Street Excavations: Medieval and post medieval features (Unpublished Report). SCH6806.

<6> Webster L & Cherry J, 1980, Medieval Britain in 1979 (Article in Journal). SCH5622.