Monument record 10206 - 16th century industrial activity at 25-29 Bridge Street

A series of small test trenches excavated to the rear of 25-29 Bridge Street in 1996 identified traces of several phases of medieval and post medieval activity. The site was formerly known as the offices of the Chester Chronicle and print works. Although the evidence remains scattered across the site, it was possible to identify a series of medieval deposits from the 13th through to the 15th century. In addition a pit identified in trench W (Context 104) close to the back line of the plot containing quantities of 16th century pottery and Hessian crucibles indicating industrial activity probably metal working.

The crucible fragments consisted of triangular stoneware of Hessian style some with burnt deposits on the base. Hessian crucibles were imported into Britain in the late 16th century and are so far unique in Chester. (1)

<1> Chester Archaeology, 1996, 25-29 Bridge Street, Chester; trial excavation., R2689 (Client Report). SCH4797.