Monument record 10202 - Post medieval activity at 29-31 Bridge Street (Phase 6 to 8)

Archaeological investigations to the rear of 15-31 Bridge Street (part of Debenhams) in 1996 and in 2001 identified multi-phased activity from the Roman through to the modern period. It was possible to identify the rear boundaries of 5 plots on an east-west alignment fronting onto Bridge Street and the rear of a sixth plot that probably extended onto Newgate Street.

Post medieval activity consisted largely of pits, ovens & hearths, cultivation layers and an increase in structural activity and could be divided into 3 phases continuing on from the medieval activity. Phase 6 was dated to the 15th-17th century and constituted the transition period from the medieval to post medieval. Phase 7 dated to the 17th-18th century and phase 8 from the 18th to 19th centuries.

Phase 6 evidence recorded to the rear of 29-31 Bridge Street (plot 1 of the 2001 investigations) consisted of the lower four courses of the northern boundary wall [context 910] on an east-west alignment, a roughly square structure at the rear of the plot, traces of a second structure at the centre of the plot, a hearth [context 39] and a number of pits. Material recovered from these features indicate an early post medieval date. (1)

Phase 7 evidence consisted of a number of cess and rubbish pits, a culvert along the northern boundary of the plot, a hearth [context 1910] and traces of cultivations soils recorded during investigations in 1996 (2).

The 18th century saw an increase in activity (phase 8) with the construction of three buildings with associated floors and pit features, an oven and traces of a chimney breast. (1)

<1> Garner D, 2008, Excavations at Chester: 25 Bridge Street 2001. Two thousand years of urban life in microcosm (Monograph). SCH6160.

<2> Chester Archaeology, 1996, 25-29 Bridge Street, Chester; trial excavation., R2689 (Client Report). SCH4797.