Monument record 10166 - post medieval oven at Hunter Street School

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Street, however although the Roman and Saxon evidence has been published, the medieval and later work remains largely unpublished.

An early 16th century oven [F2], possibly used for baking or brewing was recorded during excavations at the Hunter Street School site in 1979 (1). The fire was placed at the base of the circular oven and fed through a small stoke hole which would give a more intense heat. It was recorded adjacent to the earlier medieval oven (CHER 10163) (2)

The chamber was sub-circular with a single flat facet on the south eastern side providing access to the stoke hole, it measured 1.7m in diameter at the top tapering to 1.25m at the bottom and was approximately 1m deep. It was constructed of irregularly cut sandstone blocks with no clear evidence of coursing. The floor of the chamber consisted of irregular sandstone slabs set in sand with considerable evidence of burning.

The flue hole in the wall of the chamber was roughly rectangular with a large block of sandstone serving as the lintel. The flue itself appeared well constructed with revetted sandstone walls splaying outwards. (3)

<1> Grosvenor Museum Excavations Newsletter, 1979, Summary of Excavations in Chester (Newsletter). SCH6263.

<2> Cherry, John, 1980, Post-Medieval Britain in 1979 (Article in Journal). SCH6072.

<3> Chester Archaeology, 1980, Princess Street Excavations: Medieval and post medieval features (Unpublished Report). SCH6806.