Monument record 10196 - 19th century industrial activity at 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. Recent activity in the 19th century was also encountered, interpreted as industrial activity (CHER 10196).

Evidence from the 1994 archaeological investigations at the site also encountered evidence of 19th century industrial activity consisting of a forge (Context 752) and a soil pit of a broadly contemporary date. Material recovered from these features included quantities of industrial slag and metal waste suggestive of button making. (1)

The evidence was interpreted as representing three successive smithies at Herbert's Court as a lean to brick built structure against the side wall of No 8. It had been substantially back filled with domestic rubbish some time before excavation and work appears to have ceased here by 1908. (7)

Matthews K J, 1999, Familiarity and contempt. The archaeology of the modern (Article in Monograph). SCH7080.

<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.

<7> Matthews K J, 1999, Familiarity and contempt. The archaeology of the modern (Article in Monograph). SCH7080.