Monument record 10190 - 17th century house at 12 Hamilton Place

A series of post medieval deposits were encountered during two phases of archaeological investigations at 12 Hamilton Place in 1992 and later in 1994. The evidence suggests two broad phases of activity, first in the early post medieval period (16th-17th century) with activity confined to the cutting of pits for cess and rubbish disposal (CHER 10190) this was followed in the later post medieval period (18th-19th century) by more structural activity (CHER 10196) consisting of brick and tile structures as well as rock cut cellars. More recent activity in the 19th century was also encountered, interpreted as industrial activity (CHER 10196).

The earlier evidence consisted of a 17th century cess pit in trench 5 and soil deposits interpreted as possible cultivation soils containing 17th century pottery in trench 2 of the 1992 archaeological investigations. (1)

Subsequent archaeological investigations in 1994 identified further evidence of early post medieval activity with some 16th century material as well as further investigations of the 17th century cess pit.

In addition, the 1994 excavations identified evidence of a 17th century house although it is not discussed in detail. The presence of a house in this area is surprising given that the street did not come into existence until the 19th century (2)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1992, An Evaluation Excavation at 12 Hamilton Place, Chester, May 1992, R2097 (Client Report). SCH4103.

<2> Archaeological Services, 1995, Chester 12 Hamilton Place 1995 Assessment Report, R3127 (Client Report). SCH6195.

<3> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 1992, Chester Archaeology Service Newsletter (Newsletter). SCH6006.

<4> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 1996, The Past Uncovered (Newsletter). SCH6013.

<5> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 2001, The Past Uncovered (Newsletter). SCH6028.

<6> Chester City Council Archaeology Service, 1993, Annual Review 1992-1993 (Newsletter). SCH6049.